The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements will hand over a new home to a grieving Durban family on Mandela Day, offering them a chance for closure after a tragic loss during the February 2025 floods.



The family, who lost their matriarch, Zondeni Gcabashe, when she was swept away by raging floodwaters, has been in mourning. Of the five people lost in the disaster, Gcabashe’s body remains unrecovered, adding to the family’s pain. They were among the flood victims who were evicted from Bayside Lodge earlier in the week, leaving them temporarily without shelter before being moved to safer accommodation in Umbilo.



KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed the family would receive a house on Mandela Day. According to Duma, while many flood survivors were impacted by previous events such as the 2022 disaster, this specific family—affected by the more recent 2025 floods—was selected due to their unique circumstances. He explained that the gesture would assist them in performing traditional rituals and aid their emotional recovery.



Duma noted that the family had been informed of the decision and had responded positively to the news.



Gcabashe’s daughter, Ntombikhona Mhlongo, described the emotional toll of her mother’s disappearance, stating that she had been crying daily and desperately seeking answers. She welcomed the news of the new house, saying it would allow the family to continue their mother’s spiritual rites in a more appropriate space. Mhlongo shared that, traditionally, they believe her mother’s spirit may not rest until a permanent home is found.



She expressed appreciation for the coordinated efforts of the national, provincial, and local government authorities following their recent eviction, and said their temporary home in Umbilo was comfortable and peaceful.



Duma also visited other flood survivors now housed in Umbilo and said that most residents were satisfied with their improved living conditions. He reported that they felt safe and supported.



Meanwhile, Human Settlements head of department Max Mbili said that all three spheres of government are now working closely to ensure no further evictions occur from temporary shelters. He added that internal systems are being put in place to prevent a repeat of the recent displacements, and that current residents will remain housed until a long-term housing solution is secured.

The SA Reserve Bank’s Prudential Authority has filed papers in the Pietermaritzburg High Court for the provisional liquidation of Ithala SOC Limited. This comes after the authority appointed a repayment administrator responsible for the repayment of deposits.

Although commonly referred to as a bank, Ithala was never granted a banking licence. However, the Minister of Finance granted an exemption to Ithala allowing the entity to receive deposits while it regularised its operations.

According to the SA Reserve Bank, the repayment administrator has established that Ithala is technically and legally insolvent, exposing depositors to potential loss of their deposits.

Location: Umlazi T-Section, Ward 89, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Type: Community rental housing for low-income households (R800–R3,500/month)

Client: eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
Funding: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements
Contractors: Varies by phase; Phase 1 handled by Mandlethu Projects (2009 pilot)
Project Value: Approx. R31 million – R60 million per phase
Total CRU investment in Umlazi area: Over R111 million

Phases and Dates:

2009 – Pilot phase began under Mandlethu Projects

2022 to 2024 – Phase 2: Construction of 54 units began, extended to April 2025

June 2024 – Tender issued for Phase 3A: 96 new units

November 2024 – Oversight visit confirmed 2 of 9 blocks were under construction

Challenges:

Delays from structural issues in old hostels

Tensions over procurement; DA and IFP questioned R19.1 million extension

Residents in nearby units faced poor services, non-payment issues

CRU design criticized for not matching cultural/household needs

Midlands EMS spokesperson, Ronald Robertson, said they were alerted to the incident, and an advanced life support team was dispatched to the scene to provide urgent medical assistance.



"On arrival, our team found one person who had sustained serious injuries and was in critical condition. Immediate advanced life support treatment was initiated to stabilise the patient," Robertson said.

He said rescue teams had to use specialised rescue equipment to ensure safe and effective care in a challenging environment.

After stabilisation at the scene, the patient was transported to a local trauma hospital for further treatment, Robertson said the patient was taken to a local trauma hospital for further treatment.

In a separate incident, also involving an animal, a young child was seriously injured while out horse riding.

Robertson said emergency teams raced to the scene in Howick, also in the KZN Midlands on Monday afternoon to find the injured child.

"Upon arrival, it was determined that a child had sustained serious injuries and required urgent advanced life support treatment.


"The child was stabilized on scene using specialised rescue equipment before being transported to a nearby hospital for further care," Robertson said.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za