South Africa's flood victims receive temporary housing as recovery continues

In May 2026, the Western Cape province experienced unprecedented rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 1,000% above normal. The floods caused an estimated R9 billion in damage, 11 deaths and left 231,029 people affected. Many families, such as Madelyn Botha’s in Rawsonville, lost their homes and essential documents, and reconstruction remains uncertain.

Separately, the April 2022 floods in KwaZulu‑Natal, centred on the Durban area, killed more than 440 people and destroyed thousands of homes. After almost three years in unsafe shelters, 19 families from Ntshongweni have been moved into Temporary Residential Units. eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba handed over the units and announced plans to build an additional 1,200 subsidised houses for vulnerable residents, while local officials continue to address electricity and water connections.