A strong storm which attacked at Ngwetsheni village in KwaBhaca, Eastern Cape last Sunday, 05 April 2026 left two people dead whilst several residents left homeless as well as losing all their belongings. After Umzimvubu Local Municipality visited the area they also announced the names of the two deceased persons in this calamity as Lihle Meyato (29) and Qhamani Langa (35), who were inside the car when the strong winds took their vehicle. During the municipality’s visit a preliminary report was compiled and submitted to relevant government departments, including the Department of Human Settlements, with particular attention given to families who have been left homeless. Through intergovernmental relations receive urgent assistance.
In her visit the Mayor of Umzimvubu LM Cllr Zukiswa Ndevuwas accompanied by local churches and various government departments, conducted a second visit to the affected areas. The visits are expected to continue throughout the week to maintain presence on the ground to monitor the situation, assess ongoing needs, and ensure that support reaches all affected households.
According to the latest information as per the preliminary report compiled by Alfred Nzo District Municipality Disaster Management Services, six households have been left homeless, with an additional eight houses affected at Goxe village, a nearby village adjacent to Ngwetsheni within the same ward. Two households have sustained partial damage. Four individuals from one household sustained injuries that led to admission in hospital, two of them have been discharged.
“The municipality remains firmly committed to supporting all affected residents and ensuring that both immediate relief and long-term recovery measures are implemented in a coordinated manner. We once again extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Meyato and Langa families during this profoundly difficult time. We also appreciate the resilience, cooperation, and understanding shown by the community,” said Mayor Ndevu.
