North-West University (NWU) staff members have demonstrated a tremendous ethic of care, kindness and support for a colleague who suffered losses due to the recent floods that wreaked havoc in many parts of the Vaal area.

The flooding followed the opening of 12 of the Vaal Dam's sluice gates to relieve water pressure after the dam exceeded its 100% capacity. This saw some parts of the university, farms, businesses, and many homes being submerged in water, and some even being swept away. So destructive were the floods that families were forced to evacuate their homes, and some people had to be rescued from the roofs of their houses by helicopter.

One of the affected homes was that of NWU staff member Anneke Moolman from the School of Accounting. Her home overlooking the Spruit River was severely damaged due to the floods.

NWU colleagues joined hands with her family and her friends, helping with the clean-up and supplying necessities.

Anneke says her family was forced to evacuate their home within minutes, and even though they managed to salvage a few things, the house was damaged.

"The flood was devastating. Our house was submerged in water, and we could only see the roof when my husband returned the following day to assess the damage. The only things left of our house are the walls and the floor, and it will take us a year to fix the damages,” says Anneke.

“My husband built this house with his own hands, brick by brick. That was our dream place - we searched and prayed for that piece of land for six years. Seeing it in ruins is so devastating," she adds.

Anneke, whose family has since sought refuge at her in-laws’ home, says they are overwhelmed by the help they received.

"We are grateful for the help from friends, colleagues, family and strangers. Some people picked up some of our clothes and blankets and washed them. Some brought nappies and clothes for our 13-month-old baby boy and clothes for our five-year-old girl. We also received financial assistance from our church, friends, colleagues and strangers. Above all, we are grateful that no one in the family was hurt," she says.

One of the people who were part of the NWU rescue team was Dr Jani van der Vyver. She says she is grateful to everyone who came through to help Anneke.

"We tried to save some things, but unfortunately, not everything could be saved. The moment we called for help people came through in numbers. I'm in awe of people's generosity. The family has so much now that they will donate some of the things to other people affected by the floods," she says.

Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations, says it was amazing to see such an overwhelming outpouring of love and care from NWU staff for their colleague, and thanked them for their contributions towards the relief effort.

Klippies Kritzinger, CEO of the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce, warns residents that the Vaal River is still full.

"Please heed any warning signs on roads or bridges. The rain has subsided, and we are monitoring the situation," he adds.

NWU staff members, friends and family reached out to their communities when the Moolman family lost their home and possessions during the recent flooding of the Vaal River.

One of the lapa’s on the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus was also submerged in flood waters from the Vaal River that runs through the camp