President Jacob Zuma has this afternoon assured the communities affected by floods that government will provide support and assistance.

The President today visited Alexandra Township in Johannesburg to monitor the situation and assess the damage in the area following recent disastrous floods that caused damage to property and loss of life.

“The recent tragic weather has left many families and individuals in distress. We have seen the conditions and it is clear that the people need to be supported to rebuild their lives. Government departments and agencies will work together to assist particularly to families and individuals whose houses and belongings were swept away by the floods not only in Gauteng province but in all affected areas across the country,” said President Zuma.

President Zuma said his visit to Alexandra Township, and the outskirts of the Juskei River, was to monitor the situation in the area and see how best government could intervene in providing short and long term support to the victims and also to explore how such tragic incidents could be prevented in the future.

The President visited two temporary camps where the families and individuals affected by floods are housed, as well as the family of the three year-old Everite Chauke who is still missing tragically due to recent heavy floods.

“We want to convey our message of support and empathy to the Chauke family. The pain they are going through is unimaginable. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this painful time. We also reach out to all other families, individuals and businesses that have been affected by the recent tragic weather in many parts of the country in the past week," said President Zuma. 

President Zuma further expressed his heartfelt condolences to all other families of people who passed away due to floods. “On behalf of government, we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to families and relatives of all those who passed away during the floods. May their souls rest in peace,” said the President.

The heavy flash floods occurred on Wednesday, 09 November 2016, and displaced scores of people mostly in the Gauteng provinces and killed at least eight people with one minor still missing.

President Zuma has encouraged members of the public to cooperate with authorities and adhere to warning announcements to avoid the loss of lives. The President further expressed his appreciation to non-governmental organizations, businesses, churches and individuals who have come out to support the victims of floods and encouraged them to continue working with government to ensure that those who were in need are assisted.

President Zuma was accompanied by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr David van Rooyen and Gauteng Premier David Makhura.