Issued by: Ministry for Welfare and Population Development
13 January 1997
President Nelson Mandela has declared the South Cape District Council and the Klein Karoo Regional Council a disaster area following the floods that occurred in the region between 21 and 26 November 1996. Damage amounting to R110 million was caused in the areas.
At least two people died after heavy rains fell in the districts of Uniondale, Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, Ladismith and George. Both the Olifants and Kammanasie rivers bursts their banks leaving a trail of devastation. About 350 households were affected and severe damage caused to personal effects and houses. Approximately 500 farmers suffered loss in terms of infrastructure, livestock and cash crops which also leaves many seasonal workers unemployed. Agricultural damage amounted to about R73 million. Hundreds of farmworkers were also affected in the areas which in total employ about 140 000 people in the agricultural sector. Most of them suffered loss of income or other damage due to the floods. Farmworkers will be given financial assistance on an ex-gratia basis for damage or loss.
Officials of the Department of Welfare will be visiting the affected areas on Wednesday 15 January 1997 to determine the consequences of the disaster.
Disaster relief will be granted to those affected under the Disaster Relief Fund administered by the Department of Welfare.
More information on assistance can be obtained from: Ms Busisiwe Zondo, Department of Welfare, tel (012) 322-0826, or Mr JJ Theron, Chief Executive Officer, Klein Karoo District Council, tel (0443) 22-2241.
ENQUIRIES: Nicolene Beyers, tel (012) 312 7649 or Brian Sokutu, cel 082 8075 397