FLOOD CRISIS: A team from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), accompanied by South African officials, conducted a mission this week to assess the impacts of the recent floods in South Africa. Widespread flooding across parts of South Africa and Mozambique has left communities reeling, as swollen rivers burst their banks and relentless rainfall damages homes, roads, and livelihoods. Emergency services remain on high alert, with families displaced and critical infrastructure under strain. As clean-up efforts begin in some areas and rains continue in others, the unfolding situation highlights both the growing impact of extreme weather and the urgent need for coordinated regional response and support. According to preliminary reports from the Government of South Africa, as of 24 January 2026, at least 41 flood-related fatalities have been reported nationally, primarily due to river crossings, flooding, and infrastructure collapse. Over 3,800 households have been affected in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
