As the plight of over 150 flood victims continues to unfold in Durban, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced a media briefing scheduled for Monday, 14 July, to reveal the bold steps it will take against the municipality following the forced eviction of the victims from Bayside Hotel.
The group, which includes families displaced by the February 2025 floods in Chatsworth, Lamontville and Umlazi, has been left destitute after being told to vacate the hotel due to a breakdown in payment arrangements between the Department of Human Settlements and Mumathe Trading Enterprise. The victims have now been on the streets for over 24 hours without basic necessities, including food and shelter.
Councillor Thabani Ndlovu, the DA eThekwini Media Coordinator, said the DA will not remain silent while the people of eThekwini are failed.
“The City Manager, Musa Mbhele, together with the political leadership, has consistently failed to demonstrate accountability, transparency, and effective governance,” said Ndlovu. “Their inability to lead has plunged the municipality into chaos and decay.”
The DA’s media briefing will be led by eThekwini Caucus Leader Councillor Thabani Mthethwa, supported by the party’s executive. The party has been engaging with the national Department of Human Settlements and the city to find a lasting solution for the displaced families.
Meanwhile, other political voices have also come forward. ATM’s Sithembiso Hlongwa visited the victims and condemned the current situation.
“These are our brothers, sisters and mothers. There are even babies here. After 24 hours, there is still no confirmation that an arrangement is being made,” said Hlongwa. “Taking them to a community hall is inadequate. They will have no privacy or bathing facilities. These are families.”
Hlongwa added that the ATM, in partnership with the MK party, is preparing legal action to compel the government to act.
“We have spoken to provincial leaders and were told the victims should agree to move into a hall because the homes being built for them are not yet ready. The Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) is failing the people.”
As of Thursday morning, the victims remain on the streets, while DA councillors continue to engage with officials in a bid to secure dignified and urgent shelter.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow.
