Torrential rains have left parts of the North West Province struggling with school closures, damaged infrastructure and impassable roads. Learners in several areas were unable to attend school due to flooded classrooms and collapsed buildings, while scholar transport was affected by washed-out roads.

North-West University (NWU) Head of the African Centre for Disaster Studies, Professor Dewald Van Niekerk, says the rainfall is linked to weather systems that developed over the past month.

“We experienced several tropical systems forming in the Mozambique Channel. One such system moved inland, weakened and persisted over the southern part of Botswana. This low-pressure system brought significant rainfall over the eastern part of South Africa,” he explains.

The impact on infrastructure has raised concerns about disaster preparedness. Prof van Niekerk notes that responses vary across different levels of government.

“We should distinguish between the provincial government and the district and local government. They have differing capacities. I don’t believe our province is doing too well, but there are pockets of excellence in some municipalities.”

Better early-warning systems are needed

He highlights the need for better early-warning systems and disaster risk reduction strategies. “Local authorities must understand their risks and plan accordingly. However, many municipalities struggle with basic service delivery. Implementing disaster management measures is often beyond their capacity.”

The North West has not previously experienced frequent extreme rainfall events, but recent flooding in the province has prompted comparisons with past flooding in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, especially in socio-economically vulnerable communities.

“People are affected by hazards based on their socio-economic status,” Prof van Niekerk says. “Wealthier communities can afford better protection, while poorer communities are often left to their own devices. The issue is not just the rain, but how we develop, where we settle, and what mitigation structures are in place.”

Infrastructure damage is expected to have long-term consequences, he says.

“Environmentally, recovery happens quickly, but infrastructure repairs take time and resources. Who will rebuild? Which funds will be redirected? Disaster response and recovery cost significantly more than proactive disaster risk reduction, yet it remains a low priority for decision-makers.”

The NWU has ongoing research initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges. “We have the Climate Research Group studying climatic hazards and providing data for early-warning systems. The African Centre for Disaster Studies and the agriculture research group are working on early-warning systems for schools, sporting events and the agricultural sector. We also engage with government at all levels to provide support,” he says.

As rains continue in some parts of the province, experts stress the need for long-term solutions. “The hazard itself is not to blame. It’s about how we prepare and respond. There are solutions, but they require commitment and proper implementation,” Prof van Niekerk concludes.

Professor Dewald Van Niekerk