Picture: A house destroyed by heavy rains/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 April 2026 – Persistent thunderstorms accompanied by strong, damaging winds and heavy downpours across several municipalities in the North West, have resulted in significant damage to both private and public property, particularly in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. Road infrastructure has been severely affected.
The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said impacted routes, include the Dwarsberg–Sesobe Road, Madikwe–Koffiekraal Road, Madikwe through Vrede and Seshebetswe, Madikwe via Brakuil to Sesobe, Tweelagte through Seolong and Mapaputle and the road from Matooster to Mahobieskraal. Gambu said while some of these roads require rehabilitation, others will need re-gravelling and edge repairs.
“Several bridges have also sustained damage, including those in Debrak, Lerome, Masekoloane, Motlhabege, Kortkloof, Sefikile, and Dwarsberg. Some bridges will require repairs, while others will need to be completely rebuilt.
“In Mahikeng, multiple mud houses, shacks and brick structures were affected in areas such as Serotswana, Seweding, Ramatlabama 600, Makhubung, Signal Hill, Setlopo and Motlhabeng, leaving a number of families displaced. In Ditsobotla Local Municipality, areas including Coligny and Biesiesvlei experienced waterlogged homes due to poor drainage systems,” he said.
Gambu further said in Tseng village under Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality, strong winds blew off roofs of several houses, while hailstorms caused damage to window panes. He added that a house fire was also reported in Madinonyane village.
“In the City of Matlosana, a bridge on Homan Street was flooded, resulting in traffic being rerouted. Trees were uprooted and several homes were damaged. A sinkhole has developed on the N12 towards Stilfontein, leading to temporary road closures due to safety concerns, while repair processes are underway.
“Current interventions include the provision of food parcels, blankets, and mattresses to affected families. The Royal Bafokeng Administration, together with the Rustenburg Islamic Welfare Organisation, has partnered with the government to support affected communities,” said Gambu.
He said the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have conducted humanitarian needs assessments and continue to provide relief support. Gambu said a TLB has also been deployed to divert water away from flooded residential areas.
“The National Department of Human Settlements has dispatched a team to conduct assessments and verify damages to affected houses. The department will provide temporary residential units, repair damaged structures, and enrol qualifying beneficiaries for RDP housing.
“Settlements located in low-lying areas, as well as poorly maintained stormwater drainage systems, are exacerbating the impact of flooding. Residents are therefore urged to avoid building structures within flood lines or wetlands,” he said.
Gambu said the Provincial Flood Disaster Management Coordinating Committee continues to monitor the situation, coordinate response efforts and work with relevant stakeholders as adverse weather conditions persist. He said the residents can contact the Provincial Disaster Management Centre on 018 388 3888 or 066 030 8026.
The Guardian 