MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Msibi has sent condolences to the family of a 13 year old boy who drowned at the Malekutu dam at Shweni, outside White River over the weekend. The victim, Troy Mdluli is the latest victim in the spate of water fatalities in Mpumalanga.
Mr Msibi expressed symphathy to the Mdluli family. “We share the pain of the loss with the Mdluli family during this mourning period. Their pain is our pain too. We wish them strength during this difficult period,” Mr Msibi said. He further expressed concern about the rising figures of water fatalities in Mpumalanga. More than fourty people drowned in the rivers and dams last year between January and December. Most of the incidents occurred when the victims were either swimming during the sweltering heat or on a fishing expedition.
Mr Msibi cautioned communities to avoid the rivers and dams. “The water fatalities in our province are a serious cause for concern. We will relentlessly continue to caution communities against risking their lives in the water space. We reiterate our call for parents not to permit their children to swim. Saving lives is the responsibility for all of us,” Mr Msibi said.
End.
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs,
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa
Contact Numbers: 013 766 6572/ 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za
Facebook: @mpucogta
Twitter: @cogtamp