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Ladysmith: Thousands of mourners from different communities gathered at Solemn (KwaZulu Natal) as the family laid to rest seven loved ones who passed away when their car was swept away by floods on Christmas Eve.
The Msimango family was the most affected, losing seven family members, including children.
On Wednesday, the family bid farewell to six members: father Vincent Msimango, 44, mother Qondisile Msimango, 41, and their three children – Emihle Msimango, 9, Aphelele Msimango, 6, and Mabande Msimango, 4. Vincent’s brother, Sandile Msimango, was also laid to rest. The other family member, Kwanele Khanyeza, was laid to rest on Tuesday.
The Msimango family was travelling to their relative house in a car, when they were swept away by floods after the riverbank along Bellspruit collapsed on the 24th of December.
As per the sources, a total of 22 people lost their lives.
Moreover, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department of the KwaZulu Natal assured to assist all affected families, including the Msimango family, with search and rescue efforts, psychological support, and funeral arrangements.
KZN dept also addressed the mourners and reassured the family that the government would continue to support them as they try to come to terms with their loss.
“We have been in communication with all relevant departments, and we are satisfied with the response we have received. We wish to offer comfort to the Msimango family during this difficult period. Losing an entire family in this manner is catastrophic.
However, we want to assure everyone that, as a department, we have explored all avenues to ensure the family finds closure and those left behind will receive support.
The Minister of Transport is with us, and as the incident occurred while they were on the road, she will provide clarity on the way forward. As a province, we have been grappling with heavy rains that have claimed 40 lives since October. This is concerning, especially as more rains are expected throughout January. We reiterate our call to our communities to remain vigilant and heed weather alerts to mitigate the impact of these heavy rains,” she said.
Minister Chikunga also offered comforting words to the Msimango family and mentioned that her department has engaged with its entity, the Road Accident Fund, which will engage with the family with the intention of providing assistance.
“According to the laws governing the functioning of the Road Accident Fund, we intervene in situations where people pass away on the roads. Our teams have been engaged, and they will visit the Msimango family to assist the affected family members with their claims,” she said.