Floods claim 37 lives across Mpumalanga, Limpopo

A view of the Shalati Train on the bridge over Sabie River in Skukuza.

The flood-related death toll in Mpumalanga and Limpopo currently stands at 37. In Mpumalanga, 20 people have died while 17 died in Limpopo.

Incidents of drowning continue to emerge from Phalaborwa, Giyani and Thohoyandou areas of Limpopo.

Heavy rains have battered various parts of the provinces, damaging homes, roads and bridges.

Limpopo Disaster Management Centre Spokesperson Tsakani Baloyi says the province has, however, welcomed the classification of a national disaster in floods-stricken provinces.

“MEC Basikopo Makamu has expressed his sadness on the rising of the number of fatalities since the beginning of the severe weather conditions that have mainly affected Mopani, Vhembe, Waterberg and some parts of Sekhukhune Districts in the Limpopo Province. The MEC has sent deepest condolences to families of the 17 people who perished in this severe weather and the affected communities.”

Schools

Limpopo’s Education department says only teachers will report for duty on Monday to assess the impact of the floods. Learners are expected to go to classes on Tuesday after the teachers have conducted assessment.

The schools in the flood stricken areas in some parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga didn’t open when the inland schools opened for the 2026 academic year due to floods.

Department spokesperson is Mike Maringa says, “Educators who are in a safe place who are able to reach their schools are expected to report back to work on Monday the 19th of January 2026, learners are expected back on Tuesday on the 20 of January 2026. The return of teachers and educators to school advised that they must do so if the situation is safe, if they are to do that without risking their lives.”