Alfred Nzo District and Umzimvubu Local Municipalities have extended its condolences and support to families affected by a severe storm that struck Ngwetsheni in KwaBhaca on Sunday, 5 April 2026.
The Mayor of Umzimvubu Local Municipality, Cllr Zukiswa Ndevu, together with Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Community Development Services in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality Cllr Eunice Diko who was standing in for the Executive Mayor, led a delegation comprising of members of the Executive Committee from Umzimvubu, officials from the Alfred Nzo District Municipality as well as traditional leadership to visit affected households following the devastating storm. The storm, which was accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunder, caused significant damage in at Ngwetsheni in Ward 14, KwaBhaca.
Tragically, two men aged between 29 and 35 lost their lives during the incident. It is reported that the victims were inside a Volkswagen Polo when strong winds lifted the vehicle and threw it against a wall, resulting in their deaths. Speaking during the visit, Cllr Ndevu expressed sympathy and called for unity in response to the incident: We are here to stand in solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time. In light of increasingly unpredictable weather conditions, it is important that we work together to restore normality and ensure that urgent assistance is provided based on the needs of the affected households. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones during these tragic events, she said.
Traditional leader of the area, Inkosi Nosizwe, also expressed appreciation for the municipality s swift response: We are grateful for the presence and support of the municipalities following this disaster in Ngwetsheni. We appeal for continued cooperation from government.
We urge all residents to exercise extreme caution during periods of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, as conditions can quickly become dangerous. The safety of our communities remains our highest priority, and we appeal to everyone to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions, expressed Cllr Eunice Diko .
Officials from both municipalities are currently on the ground in Ward 14 conducting assessments to ensure that all relevant government departments can provide appropriate and timely relief to affected residents. Furthermore, the relevant departments that provide psychosocial support have also been informed. A visit to the hospital has also been conducted to those hospitalised. Communities are urged to be patient as electricity lines have been damaged and thus affected power supply.