Communities across the Lowveld are still reeling from the severe storm that struck on Sunday, 14 September, leaving widespread damage in Nkomazi, Mbombela and Bushbuckridge. The Mpumalanga Provincial Government has prioritised relief efforts to support those affected.

Officials reported that more than 30 homes, schools, community halls and health facilities in Sikhwahlane, Mangweni, Madadeni and Buffelsspruit were damaged when roofs were blown off during the storm. While no fatalities occurred, several residents sustained minor injuries.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) is leading Joint Operations Committees in the affected municipalities to coordinate relief. Efforts include restoring essential services and providing urgent community support.

Special focus has been placed on ensuring schools resume normal operations. The Provincial Government confirmed that steps are being taken to ensure learners can sit for their year-end examinations without disruption.

In a call for unity, the government urged residents to cooperate with relief teams and stakeholders working on the ground. “Our goal is to restore normalcy as quickly as possible,” officials said.

For urgent assistance or to report needs, residents may contact Mr Freddy Ngobe of CoGTA at 082 859 4630 or Mr Gerald Sambo of the Department of Education at 081 526 7802.