Given the dire situation in uThongathi in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is urgently calling on the KZN Co-Operative Governance & Traditional Affairs MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi and KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube to declare the area a disaster zone and provide relief.

Last week, a tornado caused enormous damage to homes and infrastructure, resulting in the loss of 12 lives.

Thousands have also been displaced after their homes were destroyed.

The IFP commended all first responders and non-governmental organisations that acted quickly despite the difficult conditions, however, it condemned reports of looting of affected homes.

IFP KZN provincial spokesperson for Social Development Les Govender said traumatised residents need the government to speed up relief aid and help those without insurance to cover their losses, saying most residents will struggle to recover on their own.  

He explained that clean water and electricity must be urgently reinstated to prevent “opportunistic” diseases.

Govender said the uThongathi disaster exposed critical weaknesses in preparedness, which he said highlighted the need for better forecasting, communication, and sustainable land-use planning.

He explained that resilience strategies must consider interlinked environmental and infrastructural systems, and prioritise predefined, multi-agency response plans to prevent confusion and delays.

After visiting areas such as Sandfields, Fairbreeze, Magwaveni, Newtown, Sea Tides, Greylands, and others, and seeing the extent of the damage, the party said it believed government must provide immediate shelter to the homeless.

“We appeal to the MEC and the Premier to declare the storm a disaster and activate all emergency mechanisms,” said Govender.