The Team from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) accompanied by South African officials conducted a mission on 25-26 January 2026 to assess the impacts of the recent floods and humanitarian priority needs of affected communities in Limpopo Province. The visit aimed to gain a clear understanding of the flood situation, its consequences, and the immediate requirements of the affected population.
According to preliminary reports from the Government of South Africa, as of 24 January 2026, at least 41 flood-related fatalities have been reported nationally, primarily linked to river crossings, flooding, and infrastructure collapse, and over 3,800 households have been affected in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces.
The SADC mission, led by Mr. Antonio J. Beleza, Programme Officer for Monitoring and Early Warning at the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) which coordinates regional disaster preparedness, response and early recovery, arrived in Limpopo, South Africa on 23rd January 2026.
Following the declaration of the State of National Disaster by the Government of the South Africa on 18th January 2026, SADC activated its regional disaster response mechanisms to support government-led efforts in the disaster response. During the Mission, the team will establish a clear and comprehensive understanding of the humanitarian situation, response capacities, and priority needs, with a view to advise on how SADC can best provide targeted regional response.
During the visits to some areas of Vhembe District, the SADC team witnessed rescue efforts for a car that drowned in overflowing Dzindi River in Tswinga Village on 17th January 2026. They also inspected areas where houses were damaged damaged by heavy rains.
On 26th January 2026, the Head of Mopani District Municipality Disaster Management Centre, Mr. Shivasa Richard Nkuna, guided the SADC team on a tour of affected areas in Mbaula to show the devastating impact of the floods. During the tour, the SADC team saw firsthand the destroyed bridges, damaged houses, and an evacuation centre, getting a clearer picture of the humanitarian needs.
According to the data of Mopani District Municipality, which comprises Greater Tzaneen, Greater Giyani, Phalaborwa, Letaba and Maruleng, an estimated 1606 households were affected. Fivepeople died and one is still missing. In terms of infrastructure, 42 bridges and 56 roads connecting various of the District Municipality were affected.
“Some places were cut off due to destruction of bridges and roads. Some bridges were closed because they were deemed too dangerous to use. Some people were lucky that were able to use alternative roads, though it meant using a longer route to their destinations,” highlighted Mr. Richard Nkuna.
Ms. Brenda Mayifala, a member of the Mbaula Community Police Forum recounted the devastation caused by heavy rains, citing the destruction of several houses, and death of a child.
“The destruction is severe. There were many houses here, in this area called Mpetanenge, see, all those houses are gone. We need serious help now,” said Ms. Mayifala, while standing on a rubble for one of several houses that were destroyed due to heavy rains.
As part of its mandate, the SADC mission seeks to appreciate the response coordination arrangements, including the roles and responsibilities of the national, provincial and municipal structures in responding to the impact of floods. It also seeks to identify response gaps, capacity constraints, and priority needs.
From the visit, the SADC team will appreciate how South Africa authorities are managing transboundary water resources to reduce cascading impact of flooding across Member States.
