WATCH | Farmer suffers R1.5m loss in Tsolo floods

Anotherdevastating stormswept through Tsolo in the Kumkani Mhlontlo local municipality on Saturday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. About 30 households were affected afterheavy flooding damaged homes, schools, and businesses. Several gravel access roads were washed away, and bridges were flooded, severely disrupting movement in and around the town.

Mzuyanda Mvelase, who runs a farm in Ntabelanga village near Tsolo, said all his crops were destroyed in the floods, including 10,000 spinach heads, 25,000 cabbages, soya beans, sugar beans, maize, and potatoes. “I am left with nothing and do not know what I will do. Month-end is coming, and I have 15 people I have to pay salaries,” a dejected Mvelase said.

“Nothing was insured. I have been sleeping the whole day after this incident, as I do not know who to turn to. The rains have caused a lot of damage.” Apart from having off-take agreements with the Eyoluntu Project Market Agency, which runs the Kei Fresh Produce Market in Mthatha, Mvelase also supplies vegetables to at least seven Boxer shops in the Eastern Cape and several Spar outlets.

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Mangcotywa said the R396 main route between Tsolo and Nqaqharhu had sustained significant damage, resulting in limited accessibility and disruption to transport services. “Local shops and supermarkets were also affected by the flooding, with water damage reported to stock and building structures. This impacted normal business operations and access to essential goods for the community,” she said.

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