Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, says hundreds of residents in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay will have their continued support.

Mhlauli visited the affected area on Tuesday to assess ongoing disaster relief efforts, following major floods in the region, and outline government plans to support the community.

The visit, conducted in partnership with the humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers, included the distribution of essentials to those impacted.

More than 500 residents in the area, which falls under Mhlauli’s constituency, were affected after a severe cold front caused widespread flooding last week.

Mhlauli said that the government, alongside local partners and church leaders, acted swiftly to shelter residents whose homes were flooded, with many seeking refuge in churches on the night of the disaster.

“We are very happy that we are also here with our local stakeholders, our church community leaders who some of them opened their churches, where people were able to on the night that their houses were flooded, were able to sleep in those church communities,” said Mhlauli.

She says most displaced individuals have now either returned to their homes or are staying with family, and the government is preparing further support.

“We were also here with Human Settlements, who will be coming back in about a week or so to assist with temporary housing units for those that would have had their houses destroyed by the floods,” said Mhlauli.

Beyond temporary housing, the Deputy Minister confirmed that assistance will be provided for affected individuals needing help with official documentation, as well as support through the Department of Social Development.

This comes as Western Cape residents prepare for another series of cold fronts.

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