By Residents and business in the Letjweleputswa District in the Free State province were left devastated on 5 January 2025, when what is suspected to have been a tornado swept through the area damaging a number of buildings, including emergency services buildings and business.
Welkom was the most affected by severe weather leaving a number of households, businesses and emergency services in desperate conditions.
According to the Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor in Matjhabeng Municipality René Steyn, a powerful tornado ripped through Welkom, leaving widespread destruction in its path. The hardest-hit areas, Wards 32 and 27, suffered extensive damage to private properties, Unitas School, the Lejweleputswa Disaster Management Centre, the Fire Station, and prominent businesses in the industrial zone, including Freshbake and Transito Powertrade.
Steyn says the fact that emergency services facilities were also affected crippled their ability to respond immediately and assist the desperate community. She says it has exacerbated the challenges faced by residents and businesses in the aftermath of the disaster.
“In response to this crisis, the Democratic Alliance acted swiftly to address the community’s urgent needs. We called on the Matjhabeng Municipality to provide emergency contact numbers for affected residents and businesses without delay. Additionally, the DA provincial leader, Dr Roy Jankielsohn, has written to the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), requesting the intervention of Provincial Disaster Management structures to assist residents and businesses affected by the tornado.
This tragic event underscores the pressing need for improved disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure within Matjhabeng. The DA will closely monitor developments, ensuring that the necessary interventions are implemented to support affected communities and expedite recovery efforts,” said Cllr René Steyn.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to all those impacted by this calamity and urge residents to exercise caution and vigilance during these trying times. The DA remains steadfast in its commitment to standing with the community, advocating for resources, and facilitating the recovery process,” concluded Steyn.
CoGTA has confirmed that it is working on the matter and that, emergency services teams from neighbouring towns have been dispatched and are on the ground to assist those affected by the disaster. The department further said it is still awaiting a report from the South African Weather Services (SAWS) to confirm whether it was indeed a tornado or a thunderstorm that swept through the area.
“The disaster management office was affected by the strong winds resulting in the building being completely out of network currently making it very difficult for the district disaster teams to be able to communicate with the public; however, the district teams have been on the ground since this morning attending to emergencies and even now we can report that they are still busy collating information,” said Zimasa Mbewu, the Spokesperson for CoGTA.
