The Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial MEC of Social Development, Ms Nonhlanhla Khoza will tomorrow, Thursday 13 June conduct a visit to assess ongoing humanitarian relief efforts in the disaster-stricken area of Magwaveni, Tongaat and distribute Social Relief of Distress (SRD) vouchers to affected individuals and households.
According to the South African Weather Service, a strong tornado hit Magwaveni and surrounding areas, leaving behind a trail of destruction which led to the loss of human life. The extent of the damage was such that about 1 947 houses were totally damaged, leaving about 1 687 families displaced. The affected individuals and families are currently accommodated in 3 temporary shelters established in eThekwini.
Government has through the National Disaster Management Centre declared a state of disaster and activated Phase 1 of its Disaster Response Approach, focusing on a coordinated disaster response through the provision of immediate humanitarian assistance to meet the basic needs of those most impacted by the disasters. This is guided by the Disaster Management Act (Act No. 57 of 2022 as amended), which provides for the whole-of-Government and society response to natural or human-caused disasters at national, provincial and local levels.
SRD is a temporary grant provided in terms of Section 32 of the Social Assistance Act (Act No. 13 of 204, as amended) intended for persons in such a dire material need that they are unable to meet their families’ most basic needs as they recover and rebuild their lives.
During the visit the Minister Zulu and MEC Khoza will also meet with local authorities, community leaders, local humanitarian relief organisations and affected people to discuss the most effective ways to coordinate and deliver the much-needed further aid and support.
“On behalf of our Government, I take this opportunity to thank all local relief organisations, business and individuals for uniting behind President Ramaphosa call to respond to the humanitarian needs of families, including prioritising the needs of children, older persons and persons with disabilities whose lives have been upended by this disaster”, said Minister Zulu.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover Minister Zulu and MEC Khoza’s visit to the Magwaveni area planned as follows:
Activity 1: Walkabout and interaction with local authorities, humanitarian relief organisations and affected people
Date: Thursday, 13 June 2024
Venue: Magwaveni temporary shelter, Magwaveni sports field-Tongaat
Time: 08h00-08h40
Activity 2: Handover of Social Relief of Distress to affected individuals and families
Date: Thursday, 13 June 2024
Venue: Tongaat Indoor Sports Centre, Tongaat
Time: 08h40-09h30
Media RSVPs may be directed to Ms Precious Mupenzi on 083 715 0034 /e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Ms Sandy Godlwana on 082 678 5634/ e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
