KAREN VENTER
With the torrential rains and floods that occurred in the Maruleng/Hoedspruit area last week having abated, repairs are forging ahead with members of communities as well as government and other organisations working hand in hand.
Everyone who has a stake in the Maruleng/Hoedspruit flood disaster including the Mopani District Municipality were presenting their damage reports to the National Joint Operational Committee on Tuesday, Ms Tseng Diale, Spokesperson for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) said. She said National Government would then make a decision on the amount of relief it will provide.
During the Limpopo ANC’s second 2012 Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting earlier this week, which was also attended by the Limpopo deployee representing the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC, Mr Mathole Motshekga, one of the agenda items was the situation in the Mopani region. It was confirmed that hundreds of families have been left in dire straits with about 20 of them homeless. The disaster also affected several farmers, both commercial and emerging. 
The Limpopo ANC confirmed that it has placed the disaster at the top of its agenda, including ensuring urgent intervention for hospitals, schools and beneficiaries of social services who are dependent on the state for subsistence.
“The ANC led government must continue with disaster relief efforts and fast-track interventions to ensure accommodation for the families who have been left stranded by the floods. Roads, and other infrastructural damage, including assistance to the entire farming community must also continue as this kind of damage can have lasting negative effects,” Mr Cassel Mathale, Limpopo ANC Chairperson was quoted as saying at the meeting.
The following role players are managing the situation: South African National Defence Force, South African National Air Force, Disaster Management (Maruleng, Mopani and CoGHSTA), Police divers search and rescue teams, Emergency Medical Services and local Fire Brigade. Members of the communities have also been doing more than their share. “The cooperation between everyone during this disaster is a true reflection that disaster management is indeed everybody’s business,” Diale said.
She further said the air force is leading the operations and 52 people were airlifted. Three people were admitted at the Hoedspruit Military Hospital including an Air Force officer who was on the rescue team who is in a critical but stable condition, she said.
Limpopo Police Spokesperson, Lt Col Ronél Otto said no deaths have been confirmed as yet. 
A 24-hour telephone line has been established to enhance communication and members of the community can call 015 292 9430.