19 June 2025
Qonce, Eastern Cape
Equal Education is deeply saddened by the devastating floods that have affected large parts of the Eastern Cape, particularly the Mthatha area. As a movement grounded in the struggles and experiences of communities across South Africa, we are heartbroken by the loss of life, especially the tragic incident involving a scholar transport bus carrying learners from Jumba Secondary School that was swept away by floodwaters at Efata Bridge. Our thoughts and solidarity are with the families, schools, and communities who are mourning the loss of their loved ones and searching for those still missing.
We commend the swift response by disaster management authorities, the government, welfare organisations, and community members who have mobilised to assist affected communities. Their efforts to support the displaced families, including learners, are critical during this time of crisis. We encourage continued coordinated efforts to reach all those in need and ensure that learners are not further marginalised in the aftermath.
This tragedy has once again exposed the vulnerabilities faced by learners and schools during natural disasters. It is a stark reminder of the need for a proactive and comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness and climate resilience in the education sector. This has also further exposed how vulnerable our communities are to exploitation of our natural resources. We were disgusted to hear that Gift of the Givers was intimidated as they were delivering water to the affected community in Umtata. This is criminal behaviour that must be condemned and dealt with by the police. These kinds of acts make it difficult to deliver much-needed help to the people of Umtata, and the South African Police Service needs to step up and do better to protect the most vulnerable. The children.
We call on the Eastern Cape Department of Education and the Office of the Premier to view these and similar events not as isolated incidents, but as consequences of a changing climate that require long-term planning and intervention. As per our 2023 memorandum submitted to the ECDoE, we emphasise the importance of allocating dedicated emergency funding for schools that are affected by disaster. We stand in solidarity with all those who are observing the day of mourning today in Umtata.
Urgent action for the relocation of people needs to be done to prevent similar unfortunate incidents from happening ever again- Unathi Jikija, grade 11.
For comment:
Equal Education Eastern Cape: 043 642 1616
info.easterncape@equaleducation.org.za
ENDS
