On 17 April 2022, a team of highly skilled professionals was dispatched to disaster stricken Kwa-Zulu Natal province following devastating rains in that province.
The rains have to date claimed over 400 lives and caused massive destruction to property. It was as a result of this catastrophe that the Free State province, under the leadership of Premier Sefora Ntombela, agreed to send professionals to Kwa-Zulu Natal to assist mostly with search and rescue mission.
The team, which comprised of Emergency Medical Services personnel, structural, civil and electrical engineers, spent five days in Kwa-Zulu Natal, only returning to Free State on Friday.
Head of the Free State Provincial Disaster Management, Markes Butler said their job was challenging, but they proved their mettle. Mr. Butler and the rest of the team attended the Forum of Heads of Department (FOHOD) which was chaired by the Director General of the Free State Provincial Government, Kopung Ralikontsane at the OR Tambo House on Monday, 25 April 2022 to report on their mission to Kwa-Zulu Natal, the triumphs as well as challenges encountered during the five days spent in that province.
Mr. Butler further said many lessons were learned during the five days spent in Kwa-Zulu Natal which will come in handy should a similar tragedy strike again in the future.
Mr. Butler said the quick reaction by the Premier in dispatching the team to Kwa-Zulu Natal saved many more lives which would have otherwise perished in the raging waters.
“We arrived in Kwa-Zulu Natal on Sunday evening to relieve the Gauteng and North West teams, and upon arrival, we immediately were involved. The mission was challenging but I think we did well. In the main, we were on a search and rescue mission. We also helped in restoring dignity by fining the remains of people who passed away and handing them over to their families for dignified burials.
As far as life losses, this disaster was the worst in recent history but I am glad we helped to save many more lives. I can only speak highly of the team I led to Kwa-Zulu Natal province. They are a hardworking, selfless and disciplined group of men and women that as a province, we should be proud of,” Butler said.
Premier Ntombela said the tragedy that unfolded in Kwa-Zulu Natal was a sad reminder of how fragile life is.
“What happened in Kwa-Zulu Natal was a tragedy of epic proportions. We saw the destruction and loss of human life unfold before our very eyes. I was however impressed by the spirit of togetherness displayed by South Africans during this difficult period.
I would like to congratulate Team Free State, which was ably led by Mr. Butler for a job well done in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The Free State province is proud of them.
I would also like to, once again, convey our collective condolences to those who lost loved ones during this period and a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries,” Premier Ntombela said.
