By Simon Ramafalo and Tebogo Mabidilala
Mopani District has experienced severe and unprecedented rainfall, resulting in devastating floods that have destroyed and washed away homes in Mbaula Village under the Greater Giyani Local Municipality. Critical infrastructure, including tarred roads leading to Mbaula, has been severely damaged, leaving several families cut off from their daily activities and access to essential services.
On 23 January 2026, an assessment of the flood damage was conducted during a ministerial oversight visit led by the Minister of Human Settlements, Mme Thembi Nkadimeng Simelane. The Minister visited flood-stricken areas, including Mbaula Village, to assess the impact of the disaster and engaged with affected communities. She was accompanied by the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mme Nakedi Kekana, the Acting Mayor of Greater Giyani Local Municipality, Cllr. Thamsanqa Mabunda, and other senior government officials.
The floods have also had severe impact on farming activities across the district. Both crop and livestock farming have been negatively affected, with excessive moisture causing widespread waterlogging of fields, while prolonged wet conditions posed serious challenges to livestock health and management. Key departmental catalytic projects, including the Majeje Citrus Project, have suffered significant damage, compounded by the destruction of access roads leading to the project site.
MEC Nakedi Kekana (left), Acting Chief Director for Agri Development and Farmer Support, Masaka Mabilo and Deputy Director, Makhanani Nkuna outside the briefing.
Officials from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are working tirelessly, in collaboration with farmers and disaster management centres, to assess the extent of the damage. Detailed reports are being compiled and submitted to inform further interventions and relief measures.
In the interim, food assistance was distributed to affected households, and families displaced by the floods have been provided with temporary shelter in safer areas. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to coordinate relief efforts to support affected communities and stabilize livelihoods.
Community of Mbaula Village with local extension officers come together to pave way forward with guidance from the leadership.
