The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) dips its revolutionary red flag to mourn the terrible loss of lives caused by heavy flooding in the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. At least nine people have died as a result of heavy storms and floods in the region. The floods have displaced dozens of families; damaged homes and settlements; and destroyed infrastructure and caused power cuts.
NUMSA sends its deepest condolences to the family and the friends of those who have lost loved ones. We share the anxiety of the community regarding the disappearance of children whose minibus taxi was swept away in the floods. We hope that the authorities find them soon and that they are safe. SANTACO reported that three children were rescued after they clung onto a tree, but the numbers of those who were in the 22 seater minibus, is not known at this time.
The severe weather patterns we are experiencing are as a result of the negative impact of climate change, which is affecting weather patterns. Capitalism has destroyed the environment and the working class and the poor are paying the highest price for their greed.
Multinational corporations are some of the biggest culprits who contribute to climate change. These companies prioritise profit over environmental sustainability, and we are suffering the consequences of their selfishness. Climate change has resulted in food shortages, water scarcity, increased poverty and more frequent natural disasters. The effects of this disproportionately affect the working class who end up carrying the full brunt of the problem.
That is the case even in the Eastern Cape where the working class and the poor are suffering the most because of these floods. The majority of people are unable to escape or even recover financially from the losses they will incur as a result of the infrastructure damage. There is no value to be placed on the loss of lives and unfortunately, they are likely to suffer through the loss of lives as well.
NUMSA has noted that the provincial government says it has unlocked resources to cater to those who are negatively affected by this crisis, and that it is providing food and shelter to those who need it. We also hope that funding will be set aside to compensate the community for the devastation caused.
ENDS.
Issued on behalf of NUMSA.
Mziyanda Twani
Eastern Cape Regional Secretary
0835763123
For more information, please contact:
Phakamile Hlubi-Majola
NUMSA National Spokesperson
0833767725
NUMSA Head Office number: 0116891700
NUMSA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NumsaSocial
NUMSA Twitter account: @Numsa_Media
NUMSA Website: https://numsa.org.za/
PDF DOWNLOAD: NUMSA sends its deepest condolences at the loss of lives caused by floods in the OR Tambo District Municipality