Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane Faces Backlash as Mthatha Flood Death Toll Reaches 49, Including Six Students

 

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane is drawing significant attention following his announcement that the death toll from the devastating floods in Mthatha has climbed to 49. Among the victims are six high school students who tragically lost their lives when their school bus was swept away by floodwaters near a river on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The catastrophic flooding, triggered by a severe cold front bringing heavy rain and snow, has caused widespread destruction, submerging homes, damaging schools and hospitals, and displacing hundreds in the region.

Mabuyane has faced sharp criticism online, with many netizens accusing him of negligence and incompetence in handling the crisis. Frustrated residents and commentators have questioned why Eastern Cape voters continue to support Mabuyane’s leadership, pointing to inadequate disaster preparedness and resource shortages, such as the lack of local divers and helicopters for rescue operations in Mthatha. Mabuyane has acknowledged these challenges, calling for increased disaster management resources and describing the floods as an unprecedented event exacerbated by climate change.

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