The Eastern Cape Province hosted a Provincial Day of Mourning Prayer yesterday, June 19, to remember victims who lost their lives in the devastating Eastern Cape floods, which left some community members homeless on June 10, 2025.
The event was held at Cicira TVET College in Mthatha. Speaking on behalf of the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Provincial Finance, MEC Mlungisi Mvoko said this event was held to observe a Provincial Day of Mourning, a time to grieve and to remember those who departed in this tragedy.
“All of us are still shocked about this, even the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, was here to give support to these families,” said Mvoko.
One of the victims, Tanduxolo Dakana, said he is still looking for the body of his daughter, Simbongile Nomntwana Dakana (16), who was swept away when the school bus they were travelling in with other learners to Jumba Senior Secondary in Mthatha on the morning of the tragedy. The bus was swept away while crossing a flooded bridge. Eight learners died in this tragedy, two are still missing, and three survived the ordeal.
“I feel the pain because it will be better if we can find the body of my child so that we can bury her with dignity. It is painful now because we are still searching for her,” said Dakana.
One of the learners from Jumba Senior Secondary School, Ibenaye Mxoxozi (16), said it is very painful because they have lost 10 learners who played a major role in their lives.
“We have lost our friends, we know that time heals but we are asking ourselves when this will happen. These victims were our friends; they used to help us whenever needed. No one can close their gap in our lives,” said Mxoxozi.
According to information shared by Phello Oliphant, spokesperson for the MEC for Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Zolile Williams, 92 confirmed fatalities were split as follows per district:
- O.R Tambo District Municipality lost 68 people
- Amathole District Municipality lost 10 people
- Alfred Nzo District Municipality lost five people
- Joe Gqabi District Municipality lost two people
- Sarah Baartman lost two people
- Chris Hani District Municipality lost five people
He said 86 bodies were identified and collected, while six bodies remain unidentified. Out of the 92 fatalities, there are 22 pupils.
Out of the 92 fatalities, there are 42 men and 50 women.
Out of the 92 fatalities: 61 adults and 31 children.
