“WE did not eat last night, we lost all our belongings,” says one of the residents affected by the flooding in Limpopo, Giyane.
Houses have perished, lives lost and stock affected by the torrential rains that have left a trail of devastation and isolated multiple communities across the province.
Roads are waterlogged, yards are submerged in mud, and homes are failing to drain as the downpour persists.
Schools have been shut, and those affected did salvage the little from their hard-earned work. It has also been confirmed a five year-old was also found dead.
As a result, President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Limpopo on Thursday afternoon for inspection.
He was accompanied by the Premier of Limpopo Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and other officials.
“It’s devastating to all of us. Notwithstanding all that, I’m pleased to know that the community, as well as our municipality and our provincial government, have been doing everything they can,” President addressed media this afternoon.
Pres Ramaphosa will receive an immediate briefing from provincial leaders and disaster management officials as the scale of the damage continues to be assessed.
This visit comes as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) upgraded its warning to a Red Level 10—the highest and most dangerous alert—signalling extreme weather conditions that pose a serious risk to life, infrastructure, and basic services.
SANDF used choppers to rescue some of the residents.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC Basikopo Makamu, emphasised that while rescue efforts are underway, the government is operating at its limit.
“Early hours of this morning we rescued people at the border gate; that shows that we are ready, but I repeat, our resources are not enough,” said Makamu. “Our people must also play a part and be cautious.”
Authorities have confirmed that damage assessments remain ongoing.
Meanwhile, Minister Willie Aucamp, responsible for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has expressed deep concern over the severe weather conditions and flooding currently affecting sections of the Kruger National Park.
Persistent heavy rainfall across Limpopo and Mpumalanga has caused river levels to rise significantly, with overflows reported in the Crocodile, Sabie, Letaba, Sand, Luvuvhu, and Limpopo rivers.
Northern areas such as Pafuri have been particularly impacted, leading to road closures, bridge overflows, and restrictions at several gates including Crocodile Bridge and Pafuri. Access between key regions such as Skukuza, Lower Sabie, and Crocodile Bridge has also been limited.
The South African Weather Service has indicated that rainfall is expected to continue intermittently over the coming days, with further localised flooding possible in low-lying areas. While conditions may ease in some southern regions, northern sections of the park remain vulnerable, and visitors are urged to exercise caution and follow official advisories.
In response to Level 6 severe weather warnings, SANParks has activated its crisis management protocols. These include precautionary evacuations at vulnerable northern camps such as Shingwedzi, Sirheni, and Bateleur, the deployment of emergency response teams to monitor river levels and infrastructure, and close coordination with local authorities, disaster management centres, and emergency services.
Continuous assessments of roads, bridges, and camp facilities are being undertaken to safeguard visitors and staff.
The safety of visitors, staff, surrounding communities, and wildlife remains the highest priority.
No fatalities have been reported, thanks to swift and coordinated action by SANParks officials and partners.
Minister Aucamp has commended SANParks staff for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts in managing this crisis under difficult conditions. Their swift action has ensured the safety of thousands of visitors and protected critical infrastructure.
The Minister also extended heartfelt gratitude to tourists for their patience, cooperation, and understanding during this disruption. Importantly, SANParks confirms that no penalties will be charged for cancellations or rescheduling due to the flooding, and guests will be assisted with refunds or alternative bookings.
This event underscores the growing challenges posed by climate variability and climate change.
Extreme rainfall and flooding events are becoming more frequent and severe, placing pressure on infrastructure and visitor safety. At the same time, such natural events can contribute to ecosystem renewal, replenishing water systems and supporting biodiversity in the longer term.
Minister Aucamp has noted that while disruptive, these events highlight the importance of resilience and adaptive management in conservation areas.
Affected visitors are advised to contact SANParks central reservations at 012 428 9111 for cancellations, rescheduling, or refunds, to monitor official SANParks updates regularly, to heed road closure signs and avoid crossing flooded areas, and to plan conservatively amid changing conditions.
The Minister remains closely engaged with developments through the Park’s management team and stands ready to support recovery and resilience efforts as needed. SANParks will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves, ensuring that the safety of all remains paramount while the park works towards recovery.
Image supplied (Pres Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa recorded alongside Limpopo Premier Dr Pophi Ramathuba, during his visit to Giyane this afternoon, to inspect the flood ridden area that has claimed a life and the destruction of houses, rivers and roads).
