-
Flood waters
The Mpumalanga government says the province needs about R2.1 billion to repair damaged infrastructure, especially bridges. This follows heavy rains that have caused floods in the province in which the death toll stands at 20.
Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa will on Saturday visit areas that heavy rains have affected in Mpumalanga.
“The Minister is coming today with the Premier so that we relook at some of the work that we can do as government as soon as we can. One of the issues was this particular bridge. We had to make temporary arrangements to move the water so that people don’t get into danger and I’m glad we are doing that. There are about five bridges in this area that require urgent attention and we will note that in our report and present it to the Minister and Premier. We believe that we have to start construction so that it’s at the level where people can easily use it,” says Mpumalanga CoGTA MEC Speedy Mashilo.
Mpumalanga CoGHSTA MEC, Mr Speed Mashilo visiting Msholozi Settlement @CityofMbombela ahead of the visit by Minister Hlabisa, Premier @Mandla_Ndl and other stakeholders. The entourage will assess the damages caused by the heavy rains and interact with affected communities in the… pic.twitter.com/eM4IwzSkv1
— GCIS_Mpumalanga (@GCISMpumalanga) January 17, 2026
Meanwhile, the South African National Parks (SANParks) says water levels have risen at the Satara Rest Camp in Kruger National Park.
This follows persistent heavy rains in certain parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The park is one of the hardest-hit areas.
RELATED VIDEO | Kruger National Park heavily flooded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYpClx4DLQI
WATCH | JP Louw, SANParks spokesperson, speaks on the impact of devastating floods at Kruger National Park, detailing damage to camps, tourist disruptions, park closures and measures to safeguard both animals and ongoing recovery efforts. pic.twitter.com/AHRPCCJuDE
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 16, 2026
Heavy rains continue to disrupt Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, with several access gates affected and key roads closed due to flooding. Video credit: SANParks#sabcnews #UpdateAtNoon pic.twitter.com/kbmMQYBoKL
— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) January 14, 2026
In a statement, authorities say day visits to the park remain suspended. They say access is limited to people driving delivery vehicles, airport transfers, and guests with exiting overnight bookings at Berg en Dal, Pretoriuskop, and Skukuza rest camps.
VIDEO | Mpumalanga floods | In conversation CoGTA MEC on latest developments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZhG-LIT7EE
