President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday expressed sadness at the loss of lives in incidents in the Eastern Cape that have been linked to severe weather conditions, calling for caution, care and cooperation during severe winter conditions.

Six bodies were recovered near Mthatha and another near Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, in incidents arising from flooding.

Ramaphosa noted another incident, where three children were rescued while several of their fellow learners went missing after the vehicle in which they were travelling to school was swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha.

The President said these incidents and others that may unfold during winter highlighted the need for South Africans to display caution as the worst impacts of winter weather took effect across the country.

He offered his condolences to bereaved families, affected communities and Eastern Cape residents.

Ramaphosa assured that national, provincial and municipal authorities, including the National Disaster Management Centre, were giving the requisite attention to crises as they unfold.

“While government discharges its responsibilities and services to citizens, we welcome the support we see at times such as this from businesses, community- and faith-based organisations, charities and organisations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute,” he said.

He urged citizens to work together to bring relief to affected families and communities.

“This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind. We also need to exercise caution on our roads when travelling for work or leisure, or as we get out in nature where we may want to see such sights as snowfalls or flooded rivers,” he said.

He urged citizens to observe by-laws and regulations that exist to protect them in these conditions.

“We must pull together where disaster strikes and while none of us should evade accountability, we must put problem-solving and collaboration ahead of blame and conflict. Our beautiful country is a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place for all of us for most of the year, but we cannot escape winter’s intensity and our own vulnerability,” he said.