MISA has called for urgent support for flood affected communities in the Western Cape as businesses, unions, and relief organisations mobilise aid following deadly storms and widespread destruction.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane
The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has called for urgent support and compassion for communities devastated by severe flooding and storms in the Western Cape, as humanitarian organisations and major retailers intensify relief efforts across the province.
At least 10 people have lost their lives while tens of thousands of residents have been displaced or severely affected after heavy rainfall and strong winds caused widespread destruction to homes, roads, businesses, and public infrastructure.
Emergency shelters across the province remain under pressure as many families continue to battle flooded homes, damaged property, and disrupted access to essential services.
MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, Martlé Keyter said the scale of the disaster highlighted South Africa’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events and the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure management.
“Our hearts are with every family that has suffered loss, displacement and trauma during this tragedy,” said Keyter.
“No worker or community should face such devastation alone. MISA calls on society to unite in support of the people of the Western Cape during this crisis.”
As a union representing more than 78 000 workers in the retail motor industry, MISA also appealed to employers to show understanding and flexibility towards workers affected by the floods.
Workers dealing with displacement, damaged property, and transport disruptions require support and, where possible, emergency assistance, the union said.
MISA also acknowledged the work being done by emergency personnel, volunteers, rescue teams, and humanitarian organisations operating under difficult conditions to assist affected communities.
The union said it recently donated 400 blankets to Gift of the Givers to assist flood victims in the Eastern Cape.
Meanwhile, major retailers have stepped in to provide immediate relief to affected communities in the Western Cape.
Shoprite has been distributing food assistance in Khayelitsha, one of the areas hardest hit by the flooding.
Since Monday, the retailer stated it provided more than 8 000 cups of warm soup and bread to residents impacted by the severe weather conditions.
The storms caused extensive flooding and damage across informal settlements, leaving thousands displaced and many families struggling with difficult living conditions.
Shoprite said the meal distributions form part of its ongoing efforts to provide immediate support to vulnerable communities during the crisis.
Woolworths has also announced emergency relief support following the severe weather disaster, including a R200 000 donation to its disaster relief partner to provide hot meals, blankets, and care packs to affected families.
The retailer said the donation forms part of its broader Inclusive Justice Initiative and was mobilised within 48 hours of the disaster declaration.
Zinzi Mgolodela expressed condolences to affected communities and said businesses have a responsibility to act during times of crisis.
“We share our sincere condolences with those who have been affected by the weather,” said Mgolodela.
“When communities are in need, it's our responsibility to act. South Africans have shown exceptional resilience in the face of this disaster, and we hope this contribution brings some relief to families who have lost so much.”
Woolworths also implemented operational changes to prioritise employee safety during the severe weather conditions.
Spencer Sonn said the company temporarily suspended services and closed stores early to protect staff members.
“The weather in the Cape this week was dire, so closing our Dash service for two days was a simple decision,” Sonn said.
“At Woolies, the safety of our people will always come first. It’s also why over 20 stores in the Western Cape were closed early, to give our people the opportunity to get home quickly and safely.”
The retailer also confirmed that an internal emergency support fund remains available to employees whose homes or livelihoods were affected by the floods.
The employee funded initiative provides short term financial support to staff members facing emergencies and unforeseen hardships. Woolworths said more than R800 000 had been distributed through the fund over the past year.
As authorities continue assessing the full extent of the flood damage, early estimates suggest losses could run into billions of rand, with rebuilding and recovery expected to take several months in the hardest hit areas.
Organisations involved in the relief efforts have encouraged South Africans looking to assist to connect with local organisations and municipalities to determine the most effective ways to support affected communities.
Pick n Pay launched an enthusiastic relief effort, opening its stores across the province as donation drop-off points.
This initiative aims to support thousands of residents who have been displaced and whose homes have suffered damage from the torrential rain.
Customers can contribute non-perishable food items, blankets, warm clothing, baby essentials, and toiletries at any Pick n Pay outlet in the Western Cape. The donations will help families who are grappling with the aftermath of flooding and ongoing adverse weather conditions.
In the past few days, dedicated teams from Pick n Pay have been collaborating with local relief organisations to deliver emergency food assistance to affected communities.
This initiative has included providing hot meals for displaced residents seeking shelter in community halls such as those across Zwelihle in Hermanus, Masakhane in Gansbaai, and Kleinmond.
Additional support has also been delivered to areas like Khayelitsha and Strandfontein, where extensive flooding has taken its toll.
Anwar Mooideen, the Corporate Social Investment Manager at Pick n Pay, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting the local community. “We will always look after the communities we serve and step in to support where we can during difficult times,” Mooideen stated.
“Our store teams are part of these communities too – they know the people, the families, and the challenges many are facing after the storm. Across the Western Cape, it’s been incredibly moving to see our staff, customers, and partners come together so quickly to provide food, grocery essentials, warmth, and support to families affected by the floods.”
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