11/05/2026
SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY
WESTERN CAPE ON THE SERVERE AND DANGEROUS WEATHER CONDITIONS
11 May 2026
For Immediate Release
Activate and deploy disaster management and rescue services to already affected
working-class communities amid this week’s severe and dangerous weather
conditions.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Western Cape calls on the provincial
government to urgently activate and deploy disaster management and rescue services
to working-class communities already affected by this week’s severe and dangerous
weather conditions across the province.
While commending the South African Weather Service for issuing timely warnings and
alerts, which enable emergency and rescue services to remain on high alert, effectively
implement evacuation and response plans, and maintain open lines of communication
for immediate assistance in times of need, the SACP emphasises the importance of a
rapid and coordinated response by the authorities.
The working class remains the most vulnerable under conditions such as these due to
the continued chronic crisis of underdevelopment in working-class communities,particularly with regard to underground infrastructure and the poor quality of householdstructures. The appalling state of infrastructure has already subjected many communities to serious hardship, with drainage systems often unable to cope withflooding, while weak building structures fail to withstand strong winds, resulting incasualties, homelessness, and the displacement of working-class families, especially those living in squatter camps.
The SACP calls on the provincial government, municipalities, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and individuals to make available properties, food,
blankets, and other forms of humanitarian support to the needy whenever necessary in
order to save lives.
The SACP further calls on the business sector not to place workers and their children at
risk by insisting that they report for duty under these dangerous conditions.
Lastly, while welcoming the decision by the Western Cape Education Department to
close schools amid these severe weather conditions, the SACP further calls on all working-class communities to remain vigilant, stay safe, and for those already affected
to report flood incidents and emergencies to the relevant authorities immediately.
Issued by:
SACP - Western Cape
For Enquiries:
Benson Ngqentsu - Provincial Secretary
082 792 6400
Lizwi Gegula - Provincial Spokesperson
078 827 2274
