Recovery missions and clean-up operations continue in KwaZulu Natal following the extreme weather conditions in the province last week. The heavy flooding’s trail of destruction has left many without homes and hundreds without jobs as businesses have been affected, including a number of tourism and hospitality establishments.
According to Minister of Tourism, Lindiwe Sisulu, the floods will cost the tourism industry hundreds of jobs and millions in revenue – something the sector can ill afford after more than two years of losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the protest action in July last year.
“A number of tourists have cancelled their reservations following the heavy rains and floods, with some establishments left destroyed,” Sisulu said in a statement.
Meanwhile, a number of tourism companies have joined the clean-up operations. This includes the KZN Sharks Board which, in partnership with Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN), conducted a major beach clean-up campaign today (Tuesday, April 19) at Dakota beach Isipingo. This is just one of the many recovery initiatives launched for the province.
The floods have affected many communities in the province, especially in the eThekwini (Durban) region. Residents have lost homes, businesses and family members due to the floods.
“The more people that participate in these (clean up) events, the better the results. More eyes and hands to find and remove litter means that far more waste is collected from rivers, parks and beaches. And the beaches can be visited by locals and holidaymakers again,” said TKZN Board Chairperson, Sthembiso Madlala.
Over 400 people died in the devastating floods last week, which prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a national state of disaster. Making the announcement on Monday, April 18, he said more than 4 000 homes had been destroyed in the deluge, displacing countless residents, while the search continued for dozens of people who were still missing.
"The significance of the port of Durban and related infrastructure for the effective operation of the country's economy means that this disaster has implications far beyond the province of KwaZulu Natal," said Ramaphosa.
Donation centre
The Board has been identified as a donation centre and donations can be to be delivered to or dropped off at its headquarters in Umhlanga, at 1A Herrwood Drive, for attention Nombuso Ngubane – Acting Marketing Manager.
Other government departments, sister entities, businesses and the public are invited to donate essential goods such as non-perishable foods, blankets, sanitary items, baby food and clothing etc.
The KZN Sharks Board is working with various NGOs, NPOs, church groups and its shareholder EDTEA and will ensure that donations are delivered to the affected communities and flood victims.
