PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit the Eastern Cape on Friday as the death toll climbs to 78 following extreme weather.
Torrential rains have devastated the OR Tambo and Amathole districts, washing away homes, schools, and roads.
Ramaphosa will tour sites, including Dicoligny, Jumba High School and Slovo Park, where a search for missing people is still active.
Ramaphosa will be joined by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who have been leading coordination efforts.
The Presidency said that Ramaphosa is monitoring relief operations closely and has offered condolences to grieving families.
“All three spheres of government, all political parties and civil society, we need to speak with one voice.”
The visit will begin with a closed briefing in Mthatha, followed by tours of damaged schools and displaced communities.
Ramaphosa has offered his sympathies and said national support will be mobilised across affected districts.
The President also expressed his sadness at the loss of lives and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and those affected.
Thus far, the floods have claimed 78 deaths and could increase.
Image (Floods stricken EC that has claimed lives, stock and affected businesses. The number could increase as mopping begins).
