KZN Gets R1m in Donations from China for Disaster Awareness

(The Post News)– The KwaZulu-Natal government has received R1 million, food parcels and blankets in donations from the Chinese government during the launch of the Winter Season Disaster Awareness Campaign held in Mandeni. The Chinese government was represented by Ms Sun from the embassy, who highlighted that the donation forms part of their government’s effort to help the people of KZN during disasters.

MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi expressed gratitude for the donations during tough times. He also emphasised the Department’s proactive approach to disaster management while also highlighting ongoing collaborations with all municipalities to assess and strengthen their disaster preparedness strategies. According to COGTA, the campaign aims to educate communities on potential winter-related hazards while promoting household-level preparedness.

In March 2025, different parts of KZN, mostly the eThekwini Metropolitan, were hit by heavy rains that caused flooding, resulting in loss of lives and infrastructural damages. In contrast to disaster management efforts, Buthelezi had a site visit to kwaNongoma to assess geological factors and support families affected by a giant crater that damaged homes. The MEC also visited victims of the recent heavy rains and mudslides.

The MEC directed that the seven families affected by the crater be moved to a much safer area where they will be provided with necessary materials to build. “We have identified a new site where the seven families will be resettled, and we hope to speed up the process,” the MEC said. COGTA confirmed ongoing visits to municipalities to assess disaster readiness.