Margate, Ugu District | Monday, 22 December 2025 - Severe weather conditions over the weekend have left a trail of destruction across parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with the Ugu District, particularly Margate, emerging as one of the worst-affected areas.
Torrential rains led to widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and tragic loss of life. One person has been confirmed dead, while three others remain missing after being swept away during the heavy downpours. The disaster has cast a sombre shadow over the festive season, with families and communities grappling with loss and uncertainty.
Among those affected is the Cele family of Bhomela in Ward 24, Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, who are mourning the loss of Gogo Cele. She passed away after floodwaters inundated parts of the area, causing extensive damage to homes and surrounding infrastructure. The family is expected to spend Christmas in mourning as search-and-rescue operations continue for the missing persons.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli visited Margate on Monday to assess the damage caused by the storms and to personally extend condolences to the bereaved family. During his visit, the Premier engaged with local leadership, disaster management teams, and affected residents to receive updates on rescue operations and relief efforts.
Speaking during the visit, Premier Ntuli expressed deep sorrow at the loss of life and emphasised that the provincial government’s immediate priority is supporting affected families and ensuring coordinated response efforts.
“This is a painful time for the affected families and the broader community. Our focus is on providing support, ensuring dignified processes for the deceased, and intensifying efforts to locate those who are still missing,” said the Premier.
Search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing, with emergency services working tirelessly despite challenging conditions. Premier Ntuli commended disaster management teams, emergency medical services, police, and volunteers for their dedication and bravery, noting that their efforts are critical in saving lives and bringing closure to families.
The heavy rains also caused damage to roads, bridges, and residential areas, disrupting access to some communities. The provincial government, in collaboration with the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality and the Ugu District Municipality, has activated disaster response mechanisms to assess infrastructure damage and coordinate relief interventions.
Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been urged to remain vigilant, heed weather warnings, and cooperate with authorities as further rainfall remains possible in parts of the province.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting affected communities through relief measures, psychosocial support, and infrastructure recovery, while ensuring that emergency services remain on high alert during the remainder of the rainy season.