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A 15-year-old learner has tragically lost his life after being caught in the raging floods that have battered the Moretele municipality over the past two weeks. The teenager was among six boys who were trapped while swimming in the overflowing Ruigtesloot River in Ward 1. While the others managed to escape, the young victim was swept away. His body was recovered on Tuesday by the disaster and pathology team.
The impact of the severe weather has been widespread, with infrastructure damage affecting daily life and economic activity in the area. The collapse of the Ruigtesloot Sea Mine road has forced Northam Platinum Mine workers to take a longer route via Bela Bela, adding an extra 120 kilometers to their daily commute.
The learner’s death marks the second fatality in the region due to flooding. Just a week ago, a pensioner in a neighboring village perished when his house was submerged while he was inside with his wife. Emergency services managed to rescue the elderly woman, but her husband could not be saved.
The devastation has also disrupted essential services, with the collapse of Thulare High School and Ruigtesloot bridges impacting schooling, business operations, and access to basic necessities.
In response to the crisis, Moretele Local Municipality Mayor Cllr. Masango George is set to visit the affected areas on March 5, 2025, to assess the damage and provide support to affected communities. The mayor’s visit will begin at 9:00 AM in Mathibestad RDP, followed by stops in Tlholoe, Gahabedi, and Ruigtesloot.
Residents are calling for urgent intervention to restore infrastructure and prevent further loss of life as heavy rains continue to pose a threat.
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