17/01/2026
PREMIER RAMATHUBA SAYS INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGE CAUSED BY FLOODS COULD REACH UP TO R4 BILLION
POLOKWANE : Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba has given an update on how the province is dealing with the devastating floods and persistent heavy rainfall.
Dr Ramathuba was briefing the media on Friday morning as the province government puts pieces together in an attempt to deal with the unprecedented disaster that is currently unfolding.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Dr Ramathuba says the cost of infrastructure damage resulting from the severe weather and flooding could reach up to R4 billion.
However, she says this amount may change because the figure remains provisional, as officials have not yet accessed certain areas to conduct full assessments.
The infrastructure damage was caused by heavy rains that has damaged roads, schools and houses with some resorts in the Vhembe, Mopani and Kruger National Park submerged.
● BREAKDOWN ON THE DAMAGED CAUSED BY FLOODS THUS FAR
▪︎9 people have so far being confirmed dead since 25th December 2025 with two more people, Lindelani Munyai and Siyanda Baloyi feared dead as they are still missing after being swept away by raging floodwaters.
▪︎1600 homes have suffered significant damage.
▪︎31 schools have also been affected, with this figure expected to rise.
▪︎439 roads have been badly damaged including the R71 road in Gravlotte, the R36 between the Oaks and Ofcolaco just to name a few.
▪︎In Mopani, 7 hospitals and 19 clinic have been affected by the floods.
▪︎In the Waterberg District, storm damage has been reported at Mokopane, Ellisras, FH Odendaal and Warmbaths hospitals.
The Premier says they can not rule out the possibility of uncovering the ‘worst outcome’ as assessments continue.
Meanwhile the South African Weather Service says heavy rains will continue through the weekend to the new week, with some reprieve expected from Wednesday, 21st January.
