MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Msibi has implored communities to avoid visits to the rivers and dams. This after several drowning cases occurred in the province. By mid-September, fourteen (14) fatalities had occurred, whilst more than forty (40) were recorded by the end of last year, despite efforts by the Department and the South African Police Services (SAPS) and Municipal
Disaster Management units to provide swimming lessons in some areas as part of Disaster Management.
Mr Msibi says the rising number of fatalities are a serious cause for concern. “We have noted that most of the fatalities occur when the victims are either swimming or fishing in the local rivers, dams and quarries. We call on all communities not to expose themselves to the risk of drowning,” lamented Mr Msibi.
He says fatalities in the water can be prevented if communities take heed of precautionary measures. “One death is way too many. It is upon all of us to prevent it. We call on parents not to allow their children to swim without supervision. Fishing must be avoided at all costs especially if an individual cannot swim,” Mr Msibi said.
The Department has established a Disaster Toll Free number for communities to report cases of emergencies to save lives. The number is 0800 202 507.
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Issued by the Department of Co-operation and Traditional Affairs
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa: 013 766 6572 / 083 302 2774
Email: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za
Twitter: @cogtamp
Facebook: @mpucogta