By: Zilungile Mkhize
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has announced that more than R1.25 billion will be disbursed for disaster relief efforts following the devastating floods that occurred in June.
The relief funding, which will be distributed through the Disaster Response and Recovery Grants, aims to support municipalities and provinces in addressing infrastructure damage and the aftermath of the flooding. The funds are particularly targeted at areas with poor infrastructure and inadequate planning, which were hardest hit by the storms.
Minister Hlabisa confirmed that both municipal and provincial budgets have been reprioritised to accommodate immediate recovery needs. The Eastern Cape will receive the largest portion of the recovery funds, amounting to R504 million, reflecting the extensive damage suffered in that province.
In a bid to ensure accountability, Hlabisa emphasised that strict oversight mechanisms will be put in place to monitor the use of funds. “We are working closely with the Auditor-General and relevant provincial departments to ensure that this money is used for its intended purpose and not lost to corruption or mismanagement,” he said.
The floods, which claimed several lives and displaced thousands, caused widespread damage to roads, schools, and homes, particularly in rural and under-resourced communities. The funding is expected to support both immediate response measures and longer-term recovery projects, including rebuilding key infrastructure and improving flood resilience.
