The Executive Mayor of the O.R. Tambo District Municipality in Mthatha, Councillor Mesuli Ngqondwana, has confirmed that the Thornhill and Rosedale Water Treatment Works were damaged by heavy floods that struck parts of Mthatha last week.
He explained that the pumps were submerged by floodwaters, making it impossible to pump water to all reservoirs. To avoid a complete shutdown of the water supply, reservoirs have been closed as a precaution, with a contingency plan to ration the remaining water.
“Our water tanks are still full for now, so we can continue supporting residents. However, starting today, we will begin rationing. We will open the reservoirs in stages to ensure controlled distribution,” said Ngqondwana.
Areas affected include Ncambedlana, Signal Hill, Fort Gale Reservoirs, Northcrest (Phases 1, 2, and 3), Fernhill, Ilanga Ridge, Hillcrest, Southridge, Southernwood, Kwezi, Mbuqe, Zimbane, Sidwadwa, Mthatha West, Ncambele and Mpindweni.
Speaking about the broader impact of the floods, Ngqondwana noted that the death toll was 90 at the time of reporting. In Dycolgyn, several homes were submerged, leaving residents struggling to escape on the morning of the incident.
“In Makhaphetshwini, 52 families have been displaced and are now sheltered in various locations, including the Civic Centre and Anglican Church in Slovo. We appeal to community members to stop occupying land in low-lying areas, as doing so puts their lives at great risk,” Ngqondwana implored.
He added that the municipality had previously conducted awareness campaigns urging residents to evacuate high-risk zones. Though flooding is not new to the area, the current situation is unprecedented. After addressing immediate needs, the municipality plans to assist affected residents in relocating to safer areas.
One flood victim, Mncedi Buwa, recounted how he saved his wife and two children during the ordeal:
“It was around 05:30 in the morning when neighbours’ shouts woke me up. I stepped outside and saw water already near the windows. Using spades, I opened the roof and pulled my family up onto it. I tied an electricity cable around my waist for safety. The water rose to the rafters and eventually covered our house, but it started to recede. We remained on the roof until we were rescued,” shared Buwa.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, together with Ngqondwana and the King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Executive Mayor, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani, have dismissed false claims on social media that the floods were caused by the opening of sluice gates at the Mthatha Dam.
They clarified that incorrect reports, including videos circulating online, are unfounded. “The Mthatha Dam does not have sluice gates but features spillways that automatically release water when it reaches full capacity,” Majodina stated.
She explained that the dam experienced a sudden inflow from upstream rains, pushing its capacity from 99.8% to 102% on June 9, 2025, causing the spillways to activate. This coincided with heavy inflows from the Cicira Tributary, leading the Mthatha River to overflow its banks.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) deployed dam safety engineers to assess the situation and is working alongside the O.R. Tambo Municipality to restore the Thornhill Water Treatment Works and resume potable water supply to the town.
Minister Majodina condemned the sharing of fake news during such a tragic time:
“We urge the public to avoid spreading misinformation while the nation mourns. Those responsible should consider the pain already endured by victims of this disaster.”
She extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pledged continued efforts to ease the community’s plight.
You must be logged in to post a comment.