KWAZULU-NATAL, a province prone to extreme weather conditions, including recent floods, has received the lion’s share of the R1.44 billion disaster recovery fund announced by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Velenkosini Hlabisa on Monday.

In response to the widespread devastation caused by severe weather events, ranging from floods, heatwaves, veld fires and droughts around the country, the South African government has allocated R1.44 billion to kickstart recovery efforts.

This fund follows the deadly floods that recently swept through KZN. Lamontville in Durban was one of the hardest hit places in February, where seven lives were lost and many others displaced.

Homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure were damaged, and some businesses were forced to close, while others struggled to bounce back.

The latest floods brought more headaches for the eThekwini Municipality and other authorities who were still reeling from the effects of 2022 floods. One of the challenges for the authorities were the re-housing of the 2022 flood victims who were still living in shelters, which were described as 'appalling" by those who called it home.

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) confirmed that the funds, distributed across February and March 2025, was focused on repairing infrastructure, restoring essential services, and providing support to the hardest-hit areas, including KZN and the Eastern Cape.

According to Hlabisa, thus far in 2025, weather events have claimed 40 lives across the country, with KZN being most affected.

Other provinces such as the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, and Gauteng also sustained considerable damage.

KZN has received major support through various disaster recovery grants. A breakdown of the allocated funds includes:

R76 million for immediate response and recovery in KZN municipalities.
R149 million for provincial infrastructure repairs in KZN, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo (disbursed in February).
R231 million for municipal infrastructure repairs in KZN and other provinces (allocated in March).
R669 million for continued municipal recovery, including further support for KZN (disbursed in mid-March).
An additional R947 million allocated to the Western Cape, with more funding under consideration for other provinces.

Hlabisa said the recent floods have been officially classified as a National Disaster, which triggered the fast-tracking of the said funds. However, the government has not yet declared a National State of Disaster, which would introduce additional regulatory measures if needed.

Minister Hlabisa expressed condolences to the families affected, stressing the government’s commitment to reducing future risks.

"While we mourn the loss of lives and property, our focus now must be on recovery and ensuring we are better prepared for future challenges," said Hlabisa.

Hlabisa said despite the significant funding, the government faced tough challenges, including rising disaster recovery costs, competing national priorities.

As he released the funds, Hlabisa warned government officials about the need for accountability and transparency in the management of relief efforts, especially given past mismanagement of infrastructure projects.

Key concerns included poor infrastructure planning, substandard workmanship, delays in procurement, and the misuse of disaster funds. To address these, Hlabisa said the government was tightening oversight and ensuring stricter adherence to conditions for the Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant (MDRG).

The exact cost of the damage of the recent floods was still being assessed, with evaluations expected to conclude by the end of April. “Once the assessment is complete, the government will finalise the allocation of additional funds for affected municipalities and departments for the 2025/26 financial year,” said Hlabisa.

“In closing, we reaffirm the government’s commitment to safeguarding South Africans’ lives and livelihoods. Together, we can build a more resilient and prosperous future for all.

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