Gift of the Givers expands relief efforts in Limpopo after devastating floods

Gift of the Givers is expanding its relief efforts in Limpopo following flooding that has ravaged the region. 

Ali Sablay of Gift of the Givers said the non-governmental organisation extended its humanitarian response in Limpopo after severe flooding left over 1,600 homes damaged, with many destroyed or submerged. The current number of fatalities is nine. 

“Relief operations have been logistically challenging, with extensive damage to both national and provincial road infrastructure,” Sablay said. 

He noted that affected routes include the R527 (Hoedspruit), R40 (Maseke), R71 (Gravelotte–Phalaborwa), R36 (Oaks–Ofcolaco), R578 (Selwana), R526 (R40–Gravelotte), and R529 (Greater Letaba–Eiland). Additionally, the R71 and R40 in the Phalaborwa area remain closed, while major sections of the R524 (Louis Trichardt–Punda Maria via Thohoyandou) have been destroyed. 

He said that working in close collaboration with provincial and local disaster management authorities, Gift of the Givers teams are delivering urgent humanitarian aid to affected communities despite facing these challenges.

“Teams currently deployed in Phalaborwa have already assisted 1,000 flood-affected residents with instant cooked meals,” Sablay said. 

“Additional resources and teams have been mobilised from Mpumalanga, where Gift of the Givers previously assisted 800 households across four districts impacted by flooding.

“Over the next few days, humanitarian assistance will be extended to communities in Phalaborwa, Giyani, Vhembe, and Sekhukhune.”

Sablay said they extend their appreciation to the key individuals and teams whose dedication ensured the safe and timely delivery of aid and Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Speed Katishi Mashilo, Mpumalanga provincial and local disaster management teams, and Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe for coordinating dedicated support and security escorts. 

“Their assistance has ensured the safe and smooth distribution of aid to communities that had been cut off for more than three days,” Sablay said. 

He added that due to the destruction or contamination of several water treatment plants from flooding, urgent appeals for assistance, specifically for bottled water, are ongoing.

Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa Nelson Muffuh said: “The floods have brought immense grief and disruption, and the shared task is clear: protect people now and rebuild smarter. Coordinated efforts are crucial as government, communities and partners work to restore services, safeguard livelihoods, and protect ecosystems under strain, so recovery strengthens resilience to future climate‑related extremes.” 

Muffuh said the United Nations is dedicated to collaborating with the government and partners to support efforts to protect lives and enhance community safety; help restore essential services, infrastructure, and livelihoods; strengthen recovery and resilience to climate‑related disasters and extreme weather events. 

Unicef South Africa representative Johannes Wedenig said his thoughts are with children and communities in parts of Limpopo province affected by floods, which have sadly resulted in the loss of lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure. 

“When homes, schools and water and road systems are affected, children often carry the heaviest burden,” Wedenig said. 

“#ForEveryChild, climate action is climate justice, and it starts with protecting children and the communities they live in. We owe it to every child in Limpopo, and beyond, to safeguard their futures.” 

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) expressed concern about the persistent disruptive rainfall and flooding affecting parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

The SAHRC stressed that shelters must ensure minimum safety and dignity standards, including clean water, sanitation, adequate food, sufficient lighting, privacy, and security. They must be gender-sensitive, responsive to vulnerable groups (children, older persons, and persons with disabilities), and implement measures to prevent violence, exploitation, and gender-based violence.

The SAHRC called for the immediate repair of essential infrastructure, restoration of basic services, and prioritisation of key access routes for relief efforts. It urged authorities to ensure continuity of basic education, including alternative learning and psychosocial support. It also stressed the need to enhance early warning systems and disaster preparedness.

“The SAHRC welcomes public commitments that disaster-related funding and relief resources will be properly accounted for,” the SAHRC added. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za