Heavy rains in the Vhembe District, and more specifically in the Thulamela Municipality, have left families unable to cook, send their children to school, or reach their places of work. The unconfirmed death toll for the region already stands at four drownings, while two people remain missing.
Residents of Tshakhuma and Tswinga villages said the floods destroyed their belongings, including food and firewood, forcing households to skip meals or rely on neighbours. “As the rain continues, families fear hunger will worsen,” said one community leader.
Across Thulamela, 10 bridges, 121 roads and 374 houses have been affected. Floodwater has entered homes, soaking important documents such as identity documents and children’s birth certificates. Some families lost their homes entirely and have moved in with neighbours.
Parents are keeping children at home because bridges and river crossings are unsafe. Workers are unable to reach their jobs, cutting off vital income at a time when households need money to replace lost food and belongings.
“It’s tough because all my children’s uniforms are wet. We had to go and sleep at one of our neighbours’ houses, and we also don’t have food at the moment,” said Vhulahani Netshivhodza, a mother of seven from Tshakhuma.
Community leader Samson Nembazheni said the family would temporarily move into an empty RDP house arranged for them. “The shack is not suitable for a family due to its condition,” he said.
Another resident, Nditsheni Mathiza, who runs a small car repair business, said the floods damaged several engines. “Now there is no work, and the workers cannot report for duty either,” he said.
Long-term residents said the flooding is unprecedented. Some believe a nearby bridge altered the flow of water and worsened the flooding. Shacks in the area, already in poor condition, have been further weakened by the heavy rains.
Thulamela Municipality has started distributing food parcels but said supplies are limited. “We are running out of food parcels,” said municipal spokesperson Ndwamato Tshiila. “Gift of the Givers has promised more, and we are also expecting support from partners, including local business people.”