Media Statement: Joint Parliamentary Delegation Concludes First Day of Disaster Oversight With Firm Recommendations

Parliament, Wednesday, 4 February 2026 - Parliament's Joint Oversight Delegation on Cooperative Governance concluded the first day of its week-long oversight visit to flood-affected communities in Limpopo on Tuesday with some firm recommendations and votes of support to local communities.

The Portfolio Committee and the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) visited the Tshakhuma area of the Mkhado Municipality in the Vhembe District, as well as Matsakali Village in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality. The visit forms part of Parliament's oversight responsibility to monitor government's response to the recent disasters and to assess recovery and mitigation plans on the ground.

The joint delegation, led by the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Mr Mxolisi Kaunda, and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the National Assembly, Dr Zweli Mkhize, visited severely affected areas located along flood plains and riverbanks. The areas have experienced extensive damage to housing, roads, bridges, water infrastructure, and other essential services following extreme weather conditions, including floods.

Mr Kaunda emphasised that the joint delegation's oversight visit is to support provincial and local government and local communities. "We are here to support the local and provincial government and affected communities, but also to conduct oversight on the commitments that were made to restore services," he said. In its engagements with provincial and local authorities as well as traditional leadership and affected residents, the joint delegation focused on the restoration of critical services, particularly access roads, water and sanitation, electricity infrastructure, and the continuity of schooling for learners. The Chairperson underscored the importance of safeguarding the culture of learning and teaching in the aftermath of a disaster and the need to ensure that schools can function safely and effectively.

A key focus of the first day of oversight was the safety of communities residing in flood-prone areas. Both Chairpersons noted that residing in floodplains poses an unacceptable risk to life. In discussions with local authorities, the delegation pressed for clear plans to relocate affected households to safer land that has already been identified by the Department of Human Settlements. Members also stressed the need to ensure that the right people benefit from emergency housing and rebuilding interventions and that provincial and local authorities, along with the departments of human settlements and transport, address damaged infrastructure, including low-level bridges and access roads that have isolated some communities.

Dr Mkhize reiterated that relocation is the only sustainable solution for communities living on floodplains. He emphasised that all spheres of government must work together to support affected households in re-establishing themselves in safer areas. Both Chairpersons expressed sympathy with families who have lost loved ones and reaffirmed Parliament's commitment to ongoing oversight of government support.

The delegation also highlighted the need for long-term disaster preparedness and climate adaptation measures."We are asking what plans are being put in place to mitigate this so that we don't experience the same problems, especially given climate change challenges," said Mr Kaunda. "Preparation must be our focus, not only response whenever we are informed." He emphasised the importance of building better and smarter, and not returning people to dangerous locations. "We must make sure that people are not brought back to areas where they could be in danger." He said plans must also include strengthening stormwater drainage systems, clearing waterways, protecting wetlands, planting trees, and integrating environmental planning into municipal development. "Wetlands and open spaces play a critical role in absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and reducing the impact on residential areas," Mr Kaunda noted.

On Wednesday, the joint delegation will continue its oversight in the Giyane and Tzaneen areas before moving to flood-affected areas in Mpumalanga. Parliament, through the two committees, will use these engagements to strengthen oversight of disaster response, recovery planning, and the mitigation of disaster risks.

*Details of the draft programme can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/5ynw3xhp

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT DELEGATION, MR MXOLISI KAUNDA AND DR ZWELI MKHIZE.

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairpersons, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Alicestine October
Cell: 083 665 4345
E-mail: [email protected]