One year on: Tongaat community are still picking up the pieces
Saloshna Govender's home was destroyed during the tornado. She is yet to start rebuilding.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
NEARLY a year after a devastating tornado struck Tongaat, residents share their ongoing struggles to rebuild their homes and lives.
On June 3, 2024, the tornado left thousands of residents displaced, 12 people dead and hundreds of homes destroyed.
Last week, the POST visited some of the affected areas, where the clean-up and repair of roofs, windows, boundary walls, and other infrastructure is ongoing.
Some of the homes were extensively damaged, with only the structures still remaining
Several homes were extensively damaged with only some of its structures remaining.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
Saloshna Govender, 43, of Naidoo Road, said she, her husband and their two children were renting while they tried to rebuild their house.
'It has been a long and incredibly difficult road. The unpredictable weather with the rain, and our work commitments have delayed our progress. Our house has been underpinned, and we are working with a structural engineer. While plans have been drawn up, everything is moving slowly.'
Govender said the estimated damage to her property was around R1.4 million.
'To make things worse, looters arrived soon after, stealing what little was left. In addition, the eThekwini Municipality sent a team to assess the damage shortly after the tornado, but nothing ever came from it. While we do have insurance, the process has been frustratingly slow. However, we are grateful to the people who offered emotional support and kindness in the tornado aftermath.'
Govender said surviving the tornado was both a miracle and a traumatic experience.
'In the immediate aftermath, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief that my family and I were alive but that relief quickly gave way to shock and grief as we stepped outside and saw the devastation. Everything we had built, collected, and cherished was gone in an instant. It felt like our lives had been stripped bare.
'I struggled with disbelief and sorrow. But I also had a deep sense of gratitude. It's hard to describe what it feels like to lose everything, yet still hold onto what truly matters, each other. In the days that followed, we faced uncertainty, but also discovered a quiet strength that came from surviving together,' she said.
Govender added that she missed her home.
'I lived in Naidoo Road for 40 years. It is the place that I grew up and later where we raised our family. Our home was more than just walls and a roof. It was filled with memories, comfort, and security. We are doing our best to restore what was lost. While the road to rebuilding is long, we continue forward with hope and faith.'
Ramasamy Pillay outside his home in Rama Road, which he and his wife, Yogie Naidoo, are renovating.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
Yogie Naidoo, 58, of Rama Road in Sandfields, said the trauma of the tornado remained.
'It still feels like just yesterday that I was about to get carried away into the sky. I remember being pulled by this strong wind, as my roof was blown away and windows were breaking. If my husband did not shield me, I probably would not be alive today.'
Naidoo said the damage to her home and belongings was extensive.
'The walls of our garage collapsed, and my car was completely damaged. We also could not live in the house, which led to looting of whatever belongings we had. This included the donations we received such as a wheelbarrow and a gas cylinder.'
Naidoo said the estimated damages amounted to about R1m.
'Thankfully, we had insurance which aided us in repairing what we could, such as the roof and windows. But we still had to use funds from our pockets to replace everything that was destroyed inside the home. In addition, we were only able to move back into our home in February.'
Prabitha Ramlukan suffered injuries to her face after her bedroom window shattered during the tornado. Her home's roof was also torn off.
Image: Nadia Khan
Prabitha Ramlukan, 58, of Sandfields Road in Sandfields, said she was still picking up the pieces.
She also suffered severe injuries to her forehead and left eye after the tornado hit her home, shattered her bedroom window and tore off her roof.
'I am grateful for the sponsors that helped to replace the roof and windows. It has not been easy trying to rebuild, especially when you don't have the finances. But my son and I are slowly fixing and replacing what we can in our home.'
Ramlukan's home now.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
Ramlukan said she still experienced 'shivers' when there were heavy winds or rains.
'It takes me back to that day when I had to hold onto my headboard so I wouldn't get blown away. I also still feel the pain from my injury.'
Some of the damages inside the home of Annie Lahldas after the tornado.
Image: Supplied
Annie Lahldas, 70, of Breeze Place in Fairbreeze, said she was still trying to rebuild her home.
She said the estimated damages to her property was over R1m and she was under-insured.
'I had to prioritise what needed to be repaired first, which was the boundary walls that had collapsed and allowed for theft from my property. I also had to replace the roof, doors and windows for our safety. However, as a pensioner, it is hard to do more. Sadly, I did not receive any other financial assistance, especially from the government, which would help me do more repairs.'
Melanie Maistry outside her home which is still being repaired.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
Melanie Maistry, 46, of Naidoo Road, said repairs to her home were ongoing because she did not have insurance at the time of the disaster.
'This is my family home which I had just spent R80 000 to renovate. We had just moved back into the home when the tornado hit. However, I did not know the home insurance lapsed.'
Maistry said there was extensive damage to the roof, door and windows.
'In addition, our driveway gate was damaged. It has been challenging over the past few months as we try to complete the repairs. We have only just finished painting the roof. There is still a lot more work to be done, but it will take time.'
Maistry said there was still a need for financial support to be provided to residents.
'Sadly, a year later and many residents have not started rebuilding their lives due to not having had insurance or being underpaid for the damages. They are now forced to rent, some even far away.
'In addition, large sums of money was donated towards the tornado relief efforts. Where are those funds? If there is any money available, then it should be used to help those who are still struggling. It is only fair,' she said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Tshwane allocates R5. 3 billion to enhance public safety in the upcoming financial year
ActionSA President Herman Mashaba recently visited a Soshanguve fire station, where he briefed workers on Tshwane's plans to upgrade the facility. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The City of Tshwane's R5.3 billion budget allocation to the Community Safety Department for the next financial year, starting July 1, will enhance public safety. The budget allocation includes R3 million for upgrading three key satellite fire stations in Ga-Rankuwa, Cullinan, and Soshanguve. ActionSA President Herman Mashaba recently visited a fire station in Soshanguve, where he discovered that two out of three fire trucks have been out of commission for years, posing a risk to the local community. The station also faces other challenges, including non-functional ablution facilities, broken gym equipment, laundry machines that have been awaiting repair since last year, and a male shower without hot water. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Section 79 chairperson for community safety, Neo Mocumi, said a significant portion of the budget, R565m, will go toward protecting municipal assets, and the Emergency Services Department has been allocated R1.7 billion. She said the budget allocations to both entities highlighted the city's commitment to securing its critical infrastructure and the crucial role emergency responders play in protecting residents. Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has constantly said the 2025/2026 budget aims to protect municipal assets, especially electricity infrastructure, which was left vulnerable to vandalism and sabotage by previous administrations. The budget, she said, is a concerted effort to reduce power outages and water disruptions that have affected communities due to years of neglect. Additionally, the city plans to recruit over 200 metro police officers through the budget allocation to strengthen its crime-fighting efforts. Mocumi stated that 21 emergency facilities are earmarked for renovation as part of the city's medium-term strategy. Three satellite fire stations have been prioritised for upgrades, with each station receiving R1m for the work. Mocumi said: 'This budget marks a significant commitment to strengthening emergency response capabilities, reinforcing public safety, and ensuring that critical services remain fully operational and responsive to community needs. With these investments, the city is not just funding services, it is safeguarding lives.' Tshwane's MMC for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee, and TMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Yolande Faro, recently launched a new fleet of high-performance motorcycles to bolster crime-fighting efforts in the city.
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- The Citizen
Youth unites for heartfelt outreach initiative
ISIPINGO-BASED non-profit organisation Seva Bhakti Foundation, together with law enforcement, call on youth to join them as they venture out to the Durban CBD to hand out warm meals and beanies to at least 500 homeless individuals on Youth Day, June 16. Also read: Plumbers revamp Isipingo school's ablution facilities Seva Bhakti means 'to give back selflessly with love,' which according to Mandy Govender, one of the project's directors, describes the NPO's vision and team perfectly. 'We are inviting and encouraging young people to take part, not just by volunteering, but also by helping to raise funds and assisting in the preparation of food. As we mark a day that honours the strength and courage of South African youth, what better way to celebrate than by giving back? We want to help our youth understand the harsh realities of homelessness, and in doing so, foster compassion, gratitude, and purpose,' said Govender. She emphasised that the foundation hopes to show youth a better path than drugs and destructive choices. Youth from areas including Isipingo, Amanzimtoti, Bluff and Chatsworth are part of the outreach initiative. 'What I love most is seeing the youth come together with the same energy we had when we began our seva (selfless service) journey. I was just 19 when I started. We raised funds to help children, the elderly, and even cancer patients. Watching this next generation step up truly warms my heart,' added Govender. She urges parents to encourage their children to take part, youth to lead the charge with kindness and selflessness, and the community to support the initiative either by volunteering, donating or spreading the word. For more information, contact Mandy Govender on 083 706 2334 or youth ambassador Kamion Moodley on 081 516 7625. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
05-06-2025
- IOL News
Community unites for healing ceremony one year after Tongaat tornado
The Naidoo Road Civic Association will hold a ceremony and peace prayer on the first anniversary of the devastating Tongaat tornado. Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers With June 3 marking a year since a tornado devastated Tongaat, the Naidoo Road Civic Association (NRCA) will hold a post-tornado ceremony and peace prayer over the weekend. It will be held in the spirit of unity, healing, and gratitude. The association extended the invitation to community members, partners, and well-wishers. NRCA chairperson Suresh Ramsahai said: 'In the aftermath of the recent tornado, our community has shown immense resilience, solidarity, and compassion. This event is an opportunity to come together in peace, reflect on our shared journey, and extend sincere thanks to those who supported and uplifted us during difficult times.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He said that as a gesture of appreciation, the NRCA will present certificates of gratitude to individuals and organisations that played a significant role in aiding the community's recovery. 'Let us stand together in peace, reflection, and hope,' Ramsahai said. Naidoo Road is in Fairbreeze, Tongaat. Ramsahai said the area was badly affected by the tornado, and people did not acknowledge the area until he went on the news. 'We were hit very badly,' Ramsahai said. He said several sponsors helped them with clothing, and some rebuilt their homes, adding that the government did not help them. Ramsahai said he was renting a property on Naidoo Road when the tornado hit. 'I lost everything, and I had to start from scratch. It was tough,' Ramsahai said. 'I bought a damaged house on the road and had sponsors help me to build the place, and then I moved in there.' The post-tornado ceremony and peace prayer will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 2pm on Naidoo Road, cul-de-sac. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) concluded that the tornado could be rated as an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. The SAWS said at least two tornadoes were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal on June 3. One of the tornadoes, called a 'wedge' tornado because it was wider and larger than it is tall, resulted in severe damage in the Tongaat area. The thunderstorm that produced the tornado in Tongaat was confirmed to be a supercell, exhibiting a hook echo, although it lacked the typical rotational signature on the Doppler velocity field due to various radar data limitations. The supercell features developed from around 3.30pm and dissipated at around 4.41pm, soon after moving off the coast. Several damage indicators were considered and used to assess the tornado impact around Tongaat and further down towards the coastline. Considering these key indicators, the SAWS concluded that the Tongaat tornado could be rated as an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with estimated wind speeds of 225 to 265 km/h that occurred within its path.
