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Committee supports the Kruger National Park flood recovery

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By REGINALD KANYANE

14 February 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on Friday commended the South African National Parks (SANParks) for the sterling and well-coordinated rescue operations conducted during the recent devastating floods within the Kruger National Park. The committee noted the professionalism displayed during the crisis and further acknowledged SANParks’ efforts to rescue both humans and wildlife using its resources.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental, Nqabisa Gantsho said while the floods caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, staff villages, utilities, and tourist facilities, the committee appreciated that no lives were lost. Gantsho said preliminary assessments estimated the damage at hundreds of millions of rands.

“For the committee, whoever, the preservation of life remains the ultimate metric of success. The committee noted that the outcome was the result of a combination of functional early warning systems, swift evacuation protocols, and the tireless and heroic efforts of park management and emergency personnel.

“The committee acknowledges that these floods place a significant strain on the park’s operational capacity. These adverse weather events also highlight the need for increased budgetary allocations and investment in infrastructure as part of South Africa’s broader strategy to adapt to escalating climate risks,” she said.

Gantsho said the committee supports the establishment of the SANParks Kruger Recovery Fund. She applauds the proactive fundraising initiatives that are already underway.

“We also note the essential work of the SANParks Honorary Rangers through the Kruger Flood 2026 Fund and the significant contributions pledged by various national and international partners. The committee appealed for transparency and the correct allocation of resources.

“It also emphasised that these Funds are the only legitimate channels authorised to receive and manage donations. We encourage individuals, local communities and the private sector to contribute generously toward this cause,” said Gantsho.

She said the Kruger National Park is far more than a conservation area. Gantsho said it is a national heritage asset, a cornerstone of their biodiversity and the economic lifeline for the communities that border it.

“The recovery of the park is therefore a shared national responsibility. By contributing to these official fundraising efforts, the public plays a vital role in the rebuilding process. Our collective goal is to ensure that Kruger National Park not only recovers its former status but also emerges stronger, safer and better prepared for future climate challenges,” she said.

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Eastern Cape flood damages at R5.18 billion

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Picture: Floods in Eastern Cape

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the latest provincial assessment shared with the National COGTA Portfolio Committee this afternoon, confirms that repairing the roads, bridges, schools, clinics and water infrastructure destroyed in this month’s floods will require at least R5.18 billion.

The DA said human cost has been devastating, with the official death toll now rising to 95.

The DA leader of the Official Opposition in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, Dr Vicky Knoetze said at least 4724 families have lost their homes and must now be accommodated in temporary residential units. Knoetze said a further 2145 houses have sustained partial damage from the flooding, predominantly to the roofing.

“A relief operation of this magnitude demands absolute unity of purpose, yet humanitarian workers on the ground are being forced to contend with criminal intimidation. Gift of the Givers teams distributing clean drinking water in Mthatha were threatened by an alleged “water mafia” linked to local service-provider interests, prompting police protection and national condemnation.

“Such acts of extortion are a direct assault on vulnerable communities and on every South African who has opened hand and heart to help. The DA is calling on the Premier, the SAPS and the South African National Defence Force to guarantee the safety of all accredited relief organisations, to arrest those who threaten or obstruct aid workers,” she said.

Knoetze further said the authorities must also establish a permanent, fully resourced joint operations command that includes municipal officials, Eskom, Amatola Water, COGTA and civil-society partners. She added that thousands of people remain in shelters, relying on donated food, water tanker deliveries and emergency health services.

“An additional R456 million is required for temporary residential units, with the province only able to provide R120 million. Across the province, dozens of roads and bridges have been washed away, including major links in the Chris Hani, Amathole and Alfred Nzo districts.

“Road infrastructure repair costs are estimated at an additional R935 million, of which R102 million has been reprioritised from the Provincial Department of Transport’s budget, leaving a deficit of R832 million for which intervention is required,” said Knoetze.

She said a total of 431 schools have also been affected, with exams disrupted. Knoetze said hospitals and clinics have experienced service interruptions, with 69 health facilities affected to varying degrees.

“Water infrastructure has been compromised, and electricity remains partially restored in many areas. Despite these challenges, the central Disaster Management hub remains desperately under-resourced, key leadership posts remain vacant and there is neither a Chief Director nor Directors for fire services or risk reduction, with no budget allocated for these positions in the current financial year.

“The public must see clear, visible coordination and a zero-tolerance approach to anyone who seeks to profit from disaster. Together, we must ensure that every family displaced by these floods receives shelter, clean water, healthcare, psychosocial support and a path to rebuild,” she said.

Knoetze said the people of the Eastern Cape have shown extraordinary resilience. She said they deserve an equally determined response from all spheres of government and society at large.

“Our focus now must be on restoring dignity, protecting aid workers and accelerating the massive reconstruction programme that lies ahead,” said Knoetze.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie said: “It is coordinating the provision of burial support for the victims of the disaster. This includes the storage of the body, burial services, and transportation of the human remains to the area identified by the family for burial.

“The provision of this support has been made possible through support from AVBOB, and the government is also in engagement with other funeral parlours to mobilise support in line with the needs of each family.”

Rantjie said the government has provided support for 26 deceased persons that were buried from Thursday up to this weekend. She said in addition to the burial services, the government has provided support to the bereaved families.

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