The City of Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Councillor David Tembe has visited Ivory Park, near Tembisa this afternoon and expressed his sadness at the loss of life and damage to property caused by floods in the area.

MMC Tembe was accompanied by Executive Mayor Councillor Mpho Phalatse, Regional Director Abigail Ndlovu, Acting Deputy Director Disaster management Ivy Daba and Oupa Kgole Acting divisional Chief of the Disaster Management Unit.

Ivory Park experienced heavy rains on Friday night, 18 February 2022 with some parts of the area experiencing flooding and high water levels resulting in loss of life, damage to property and displacement.

MMC Tembe’s office and the Disaster Management team from EMS were first responders on the night and they mobilized all city resources to assist. According to the interim report so far, 50 shacks were completely washed away, approximately more than 152 individuals were displaced, four people are alleged to have been washed away and one body was recovered this morning.

MMC Tembe had this to say after he assessed the area, “my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ivory Park and those who have been affected by the forces of nature in the whole city of Johannesburg. My condolences go to the family of the deceased. We will do everything in our power to offer assistance and we’re always on standby”.

The Ivory Park community has so far been assisted with 100 Hygiene packs, breakfast in the morning, 200 blankets and 200 sponges were donated and City of Johannesburg’s Disaster Management unit will provide additional 100 additional mattresses.

“I wish to express gratitude to all the organisations that provided relief, support, goodwill – material and otherwise to this community as soon as disaster struck” MMC Tembe said. 

MMC Tembe is urging all local and provincial authorities to work together to ensure that the community receives all the help they need as they grapple with all the losses from the disaster. He also cautioned the community to be on high alert as we are on a rainy season.

Issued by Cllr David Tembe, MMC for Public Safety

For more information contact:

Karabo Seane
Deputy Director: Communications and Stakeholder Management
Office of MMC for Public Safety
067 258 2927

21/02/2022