Press Release: Oxfam South Africa, City Hope Disaster Relief, and ActionAid SA Intensify Support for Survivors of Mthatha Floods — But More Help Is Urgently Needed 

Oxfam South Africa, City Hope Disaster Relief, and ActionAid SA Intensify Support for Survivors of Mthatha Floods — But More Help Is Urgently Needed 

Nearly two months after devastating floods swept through communities in Mthatha, survivors are still struggling to rebuild their lives. While the world may have moved on, thousands of people—mostly women-led households—remain without stable housing, income, or basic resources. The crisis is far from over. 

In the early hours of 10 June, flash floods left homes submerged, schools closed, and families grieving the loss of both loved ones and livelihoods. Oxfam South Africa responded immediately—by June 11, teams were on the ground providing emergency relief and raising the alarm on the growing threat of climate-induced disasters in vulnerable communities. 

But food parcels and blankets can only go so far. That’s why Oxfam South Africa joined forces with City Hope Disaster Relief and ActionAid SA to launch a comprehensive, community-driven relief strategy, backed by a Start Fund grant. The goal: to go beyond crisis response and provide meaningful, long-term support for recovery. 

The joint intervention was designed in three critical phases: 

1. Needs Assessment: Teams visited community centres and temporary shelters to conduct a detailed household survey. The findings were alarming—over 4,780 individuals were affected, including 1,300 households, 1,700 school-going children, 200 infants, and 80 people living with disabilities. More than 80% of these households were led by womxn, many of whom had lost their homes and sources of income. 

1. Psychosocial Support: As data collection progressed, a clear and painful truth emerged—survivors were reeling from trauma. Many had lost children and loved ones. Others struggled to even answer questions without becoming overwhelmed. In response, group trauma counselling sessions were held at centres, with one-on-one support provided for those in acute distress. 

1. Recovery and Distribution: Today, on the eve of Women’s Day, the coalition begins distributing vital supplies—not just food and hygiene items, but resources to help families rebuild. These include pots, school uniforms, two-plate stoves, and more. Community shelters will receive industrial gas stoves to support collective care efforts. 

Yet even now, many survivors remain in limbo. Temporary shelters housed in churches and schools are under threat of eviction. As classrooms reopen and places of worship resume services, displaced families are being told to leave—with nowhere else to go. 

“This isn’t just about responding to a disaster,” says the coalition, “it’s about fighting for the dignity and future of people who have lost everything. And right now, they need all of us.” 

The coalition is urgently calling on the public to support ongoing relief efforts through donations to any of the three organisations involved. Every contribution helps provide life-saving aid and rebuild hope. 

Additionally, we urge government stakeholders to strengthen disaster response systems—particularly early warning mechanisms—to prevent such devastation in the future. The coalition has already begun disaster preparedness training in flood-prone areas like KZN, but much more is needed to ensure that communities are equipped to face the realities of our climate future. 

DONATE NOW. Stand with the survivors of Mthatha. Help us rebuild lives—today. 

For more information or to pledge your support, visit: 

• www.oxfam.org.za 

• www.cityhope.co.za 

• www.actionaid.org.za 

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