Heavy storms that swept through parts of Mpumalanga on Sunday evening have resulted in widespread destruction, claiming the lives of four individuals and injuring more than 40 others, particularly around Bushbuckridge. The intense weather has also damaged over 30 schools in the region, raising concerns about the administration of the National Senior Certificate Examinations. Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education, confirmed the casualties and the extensive damage.
“The storm has damaged more than 30 schools in the area, and four people were reported to have passed away, while over 40 others have been treated at various hospitals,” Mhlanga stated. The storm’s impact has disrupted schooling and poses a threat to ongoing examinations, as more than ten high schools have suffered severe damage. Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr. Reginah Mhaule, expressed her condolences for the loss of life and commended the quick response from district officials who managed to safeguard the matric examinations by utilizing unaffected classrooms.
Dr. Mhaule highlighted the support from local churches that offered their buildings for exam purposes, saying, “We are truly grateful.” She urged community members to report any further damage, avoid crossing flooded rivers, and stay updated with weather alerts from the South African Weather Service. As rain continued to fall into Monday evening, further damage was reported in the villages, with power supply outages and blocked roads compounding the crisis. The Department of Basic Education is planning a damage assessment, though ongoing rains may hinder those efforts. Affected areas include Ximhungwe, Thulamahashe, Cottondale, Maripe, Shatale, and Maboke circuits. District Director Lorraine Goba thanked officials for their tireless efforts to assist affected schools. On Sunday, the South African Weather Service issued warnings for Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and the Western Cape, including a yellow level 2 severe thunderstorms warning for the regions. As the community grapples with the aftermath, local authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide support to affected families.
Breakdown of protocol? Dirco says South Africa, not an individual minister would take credit for Ukraine visa deal
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the recently announced visa agreement between South Africa and Ukraine. This discussion was sparked by Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, who proclaimed the deal on social media, outlining visa-free access for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports between the two nations. Crispin Phiri, spokesperson for International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, clarified the proper protocol for such agreements during an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika. He emphasized that announcements should only be made after the President has signed an agreement, stating, “I think we are dealing with a bit of breakdown in a bit of protocol.
Ordinarily, an agreement gets announced once the president has signed a presidential minute.” Phiri explained that the process leading up to a presidential signing involves extensive negotiations between Dirco and the relevant departments to ensure all details are finalized. Only after these steps are completed can an official announcement be made, typically framed as a collective achievement rather than a solo announcement by an individual minister. This clarification came in response to Schreiber’s post on X, in which he expressed pride in signing the agreement and emphasized Ukraine’s historical support for South Africa during its struggle against apartheid. Schreiber stated, “I look forward to President Ramaphosa adding his signature to this agreement in the coming week.
” The announcement has sparked a wave of reactions, particularly given President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit, where he held discussions with President Vladimir Putin. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, responded to Schreiber’s declaration by questioning the legality of the minister’s announcement, noting, “It is unclear how the minister can announce signature of an international agreement without prior formal authorization to do so.” Despite the backlash, the Democratic Alliance (DA) praised Schreiber’s initiative. MP Ryan Smith remarked that the visa agreement represents a “poignant show of solidarity” with the people of Ukraine and aligns with South Africa’s historical ties with the nation. As the political discourse continues, the situation highlights the delicate balance in South Africa’s foreign relations, particularly amidst its longstanding ties with Russia and its emerging stance on the Ukraine conflict.
