A peaceful evening turned into panic for families in Umlazi when unexpected floods ripped through parts of the township on 25 April 2025.
Within hours, walls gave way, roofs collapsed, and entire households were left stranded in the aftermath of rising waters.
Now, as the cleanup begins, 56 families from Section H are being urgently moved to safer areas after their homes were either damaged or completely destroyed by the flash flooding.
Tragedy Strikes as Families Scramble for Safety
The flooding didn’t just leave destruction in its wake—it brought heartbreak too.
According to Siboniso Armstrong Duma, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, one person from the Madondo family tragically lost their life when a home collapsed in Umlazi’s P Section.
Other parts of the township were also hit hard.
Homes in areas like the Chicago section of AA, J Section, and Ward 78 near KwaMgaga High School were flattened or left barely standing, forcing families to seek refuge wherever they could.
Government Officials Step In With Support
In response to the disaster, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane paid a visit to the affected communities, along with local officials from eThekwini Municipality.
After surveying the extensive damage, Minister Simelane expressed deep concern and pushed for a long-term solution.
“Relocation is the best option at this point,” she said, noting that rebuilding in the same high-risk areas wouldn’t be sustainable or safe for those who’ve already suffered so much.
Emergency Housing and Long-Term Plans Underway
While a broader housing plan is being worked out, the focus right now is on moving the 56 affected families into Temporary Emergency Accommodation.
These shelters will give residents some stability while permanent housing is arranged through a collaboration between the City and the Provincial Department of Human Settlements.
This crisis also brought renewed attention to the ongoing Thubalethu Informal Settlement Project in Mthonjaneni, where government officials visited to evaluate progress and assess potential relocation sites.
Millions Pledged to Restore Water Infrastructure
In addition to rebuilding homes, there’s a major effort underway to improve water systems damaged by the floods.
The eThekwini Municipality confirmed that R19 million has already been allocated for immediate water infrastructure upgrades in the region.
On top of that, another R61 million is set aside to boost bulk water services, ensuring long-term access to clean, reliable water for affected communities.
What’s Next for Umlazi?
The road to recovery won’t be easy, but support is beginning to take shape.
As the government continues to assess damage and roll out relief plans, many residents are still trying to process the trauma of losing their homes—and in some cases, loved ones.