DEVELOPING | 435 lives lost in KZN floods with 55 people still reported missing

SANDF’s deployment to flood-stricken KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape to cost R500m

Taxpayers will fork out around R500 million for the SA National Defence Force's (SANDF) deployment to flood-ravaged parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

More than 60 bodies of flood victims in KZN still unaccounted for

More than 60 bodies of people who died during the floods that hit KwaZulu-Natal three weeks ago are yet to be identified by their families.

Ramaphosa's declaration of national state of disaster is a sign of distrust in KZN govt - DA

President Cyril Ramaphosa presented the government's relief plan for flood victims in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, but opposition parties took the opportunity to take a swipe at the ANC.

DA leader John Steenhuisen said it was more than two weeks since the flood, and many communities were still without water and electricity.

He said that, in many areas, there was still no sign of water tankers, which "could've easily been brought in from other provinces".

Ramaphosa agrees with Freedom Front Plus MP Pieter Groenewald who earlier said prayer goes hand in hand with action.

- Jason Felix

Ramaphosa says the floods should be treated as a national effort, and not an opportunity to grandstand.

- Jason Felix

Ramaphosa is going to provide a response to the debate.

- Jason Felix

(ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina, screenshot) 

ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina is the last speaker and will conclude the debate.

- Jason Felix

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane the magnitude of the disaster requires much needed support from the national government.

- Jason Felix

Freedom Front Plus MP Stephanus du Toit says the damage would not have been horrible if municipal infrastructure had been in better condition.

- Jason Felix

Zikalala says he will ensure that all contracts for relief efforts, are pre-authorised.

- Jason Felix

Police Minister Bheki Cele calls on the House to return to the debate.

- Jason Felix

There are now screaming battles in the chamber, and several MPs are raising points of order.

- Jason Felix

KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala criticises the DA for politicising the events in his province. Zikalala says while the DA calls on people to work together, it politicises the matter.

- Jason Felix

UDM MP Nqabayomzi Kwankwa says private sector companies never come to the party when disaster strikes informal settlements.

- Jason Felix

ACDP MP Steve Swart says the government should tap into the resources of churches, mosques and synagogues. These buildings can be used to assist those affected.

- Jason Felix

"I am sure there are vultures waiting at the gates. Waiting, so that they can start looting," Groenewald says.

- Jason Felix

Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald says South Africans should pray every day, not just during times of disasters. "The ANC is still accused number 1," Groenewald tells the sitting.

- Jason Felix

IFP stalwart Mangosuthu Buthelezi says families throughout KZN and the Eastern Cape have suffered. He says the floods have changed the lives of thousands.

- Jason Felix

Mkhaliphi says the EFF will be on the ground as people rebuild their lives. "We wish the people of KZN strength during this difficult time."

- Jason Felix

EFF MP Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi says ward councillors in KZN could not assist those affected.

- Jason Felix

Steenhuisen says people need to know who is in charge of the recovery. "This should be a clear and publicly available plan," he says.

- Jason Felix

Stenhuisen says when leadership is absent, lawlessness and chaos will reign.

- Jason Felix

Steenhuisen says it's been over two weeks since the floods, and several communities have still not received services. He also says Ramaphosa declaring a national state of disaster was a sign that he did not trust the local and provincial government.

- Jason Felix

Lucas says human-induced climate change is happening faster than expected. "We should prioritise our country's disaster management policies".

- Jason Felix

Lucas says the poor will remain vulnerable during these devastating times. She calls on the government to also implement economic recovery plans in provinces affected by the floods.

- Jason Felix

Deputy chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Sylvia Lucas is the next speaker.

- Jason Felix

Ramaphosa calls on South Africans to help those most affected. He says it is his wish that parties can prove it can work together, Ramaphosa tells MPs. "This is our hour", Ramaphosa says as he concludes his speech.

- Jason Felix

Ramaphosa says the nation has seen acts of great heroism from South Africans. "Within hours they mobilised," Ramaphosa says. He also thanks the SAPS, and SA National Defence Force for taking huge risks and facing challenges trying to rescue those affected.

- Jason Felix

Ramaphosa says the Auditor-General will do real-time audits on flood relief funds.

- Jason Felix

Ramaphosa says its clear that more money will be needed. "Its a great shame that the public debate was that this money will be misappropriated. This shows how tired people of SA has gotten tired with corruption. Several measure will be taken to strengthen oversight."

- Jason Felix

Ramaphosa says some of the funding needed is available within the current budget. National Treasury is providing guidance on accessing grants to be used for repair and rebuilding damaged infrastructure, he tells MPs.

- Jason Felix