Flood Victims Get Relief Boost

Families affected by devastating floods in Hluvukani and Dwarsloop have received a major boost after 149 Social Relief of Distress packages were handed over to struggling households in Bushbuckridge.

The Department of Social Development led the relief initiative in partnership with Ashraful Aid International Organisation during a handover ceremony held on Wednesday, 13 May.

The packages were officially received on behalf of beneficiaries by the Executive Mayor of Bushbuckridge Lydia Moroane-Zitha, who praised government departments and donors for stepping in to assist families trying to rebuild their lives after the destructive floods earlier this year.

Each family received food parcels, gas stoves and full kitchen utensil sets aimed at helping residents recover from the disaster that left many households struggling without necessities.

Among dignitaries attending the handover were Shakoane, Sylvia Mathebula and Cecilia Mazibuko.

Mayor Moroane-Zitha thanked all stakeholders involved in the intervention, including the Department of Social Development, Ehlanzeni District Municipality, the Industrial Development Corporation and the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs.

She said the support would bring hope and dignity to affected families who continue to face hardship months after the floods swept through parts of Bushbuckridge.

One of the beneficiaries, Silinda Sbongile Queen, expressed gratitude after receiving assistance.

“Thank you to the government and donors for assisting us in our time of need,” she said.

Community members welcomed the intervention, saying the donations would ease the burden on families who lost household belongings and food supplies during the floods.

The handover forms part of ongoing disaster relief efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable residents across flood-hit communities in Bushbuckridge.