Phophi Ramathuba

Force in Play

Coordinating provincial disaster response

Torrential rains driven by La Niña have killed more than 200 people across Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe since late December 2025. South Africa declared a national disaster on January 18, 2026, after floods killed at least 37 in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and other provinces, destroyed thousands of homes, and washed away roads and bridges. President Ramaphosa conducted site visits to both Limpopo and Mpumalanga, warning that climate change is now forcing governments to prepare for annual disaster recovery.

Updated Jan 21