Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Carin Visser
The Democratic Alliance (DA) expresses grave concern following yet another devastating flooding incident in the Ditshoswane informal settlement, where heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm has once again destroyed homes, personal belongings, food supplies, and critical documents (see photos here, here, here, and here).
This is not an isolated disaster. For more than 15 years, the residents of Ditshoswane have endured repeated flooding, with at least nine incidents recorded in a single season. Approximately 1 500 households, largely unemployed, are forced to rebuild their lives time and time again, without meaningful support, infrastructure, or dignity.
Despite the severity and frequency of these events, neither the Tswaing Local Municipality nor the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality has declared the area a local disaster. This failure has prevented the urgent, coordinated response required to protect one of the most vulnerable communities.
The continued inaction by government constitutes more than neglect but a violation of basic human rights.
Residents are still being denied:
- Access to adequate housing and electricity
- Reliable access to water within the legislated 200 metres
- Proper sanitation services
- Meaningful disaster relief, including assistance to replace lost personal documents
Communities are living in conditions unfit for human habitation, exposed to the elements with little to no protection and no clear plan for improvement.
The DA calls for the following urgent interventions:
- Immediate disaster assessment and verification to determine the full extent of damage and community needs
- Provision of emergency relief, including temporary shelter, food parcels, blankets, and mattresses
- Implementation of disaster-resilient infrastructure, including proper stormwater management systems to prevent future flooding
- A clear and urgent plan to repair or replace damaged structures and protect affected families
- Accountability for authorities who have failed to act over the past 15 years
- Immediate clarity on the status of long-promised housing projects for the Ditshoswane community
The people of Ditshoswane cannot continue to live in fear every time it rains.
The DA will continue to escalate this matter and hold all spheres of government accountable until urgent relief is provided and long-term solutions are implemented.