Relentless rains have pushed South Africa’s Vaal Dam to a dangerous 114% capacity, forcing authorities to open five sluice gates and triggering urgent evacuations along floodplains. The rising waters have submerged homes, disrupted Easter ceremonies, and brought riverside businesses to a standstill—with more rain forecasted.
At Manten Marina, floodwaters have halted operations, leaving owner Kathy Manten scrambling to salvage what she can. “Everything is underwater—you can’t earn money,” she told reporters.
The cleanup alone could take weeks, with silt, algae, and damage adding to the financial toll. Nearby, the Bloemhof Dam—fed by the Vaal and Vet Rivers—has also surged, worsening risks for vulnerable communities.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina toured crisis zones this week, pleading with residents in low-lying areas to leave immediately. “People will drown if they stay,” she warned, stressing that encroaching on floodlines is illegal.
With sluice gates releasing torrents, even religious baptisms near rivers have turned deadly. Rand Water CEO Sipho Mosai echoed the urgency: “Disaster can strike overnight—listen to evacuation orders.”
South Africa’s floods are the latest blow in a months-long deluge, with flash storms claiming lives across multiple provinces. Emergency teams continue to warn against crossing submerged roads, but for many—like Manten’s marina staff—recovery will be slow and costly.
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