A mother and her two children were rescued from raging floodwaters after becoming stranded on an island between the Mutale River and a nearby stream in Gwakwani village, outside Thohoyandou, following heavy rainfall. The dramatic rescue took place on 13 January.
The family had gone into the bush on Sunday, 11 January, to collect grasshoppers, which they sell to earn a living. They managed to cross both the river and the stream to a neighbouring village, but rising water levels trapped them on their return. Two men who had accompanied them crossed safely, leaving the mother and her children stranded.
Rescue efforts began on Sunday, with a Limpopo search-and-rescue team dispatched to the area. Efforts to reach the family were hampered by heavy rain, strong currents and fallen trees blocking access.
The family spent two nights exposed to the elements while waiting for conditions to improve. On Tuesday afternoon (13 January), rescuers were finally able to reach them and bring them to safety. They were taken to Tshipise for assistance.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that no case had been opened. “Disaster Management and the SANDF are assisting,” he said.
Heavy rains have also disrupted essential services across parts of Limpopo. In a statement, the Limpopo Department of Health said the Mopani and Vhembe districts were among the worst affected, with flooding, damaged roads and washed-away bridges limiting access to healthcare facilities.
Health department spokesperson Neil Shikwambana said overflowing rivers and damaged infrastructure had made it difficult for healthcare workers and communities to reach clinics. “This has also affected the ability of Emergency Medical Services to respond to emergencies in some villages,” he said. He urged residents to avoid flooded routes and cooperate with local authorities as district teams continue to assess the situation.