Mthatha, Eastern Cape: 14–17 June 2025
In the wake of catastrophic floods that devastated Mthatha and surrounding areas, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in partnership with the Department of Social Development and other government agencies, provided vital relief to displaced families.
Triggered by intense winter storms in early June, the floods claimed at least 98 lives, including children, and left thousands homeless. Many families sought shelter in community halls after rivers overflowed, submerging homes, roads, and infrastructure.
Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe, together with the Church’s Humanitarian and Communication Departments, led efforts to deliver food parcels and essential supplies. The relief operation focused on four main shelters—Decolin, Bambanani, Northcrest, and the Civic Centre—reaching a total of 412 beneficiaries.
“We can’t deliver hope sitting in our offices. Hope is provided through actions,” said Minister Tolashe while distributing food parcels alongside Church members and government officials.
Ziyanda Agyekum, Relief Society President of the local branch, shared: “It was a wonderful feeling to serve our community in such a difficult time.”
The outreach successfully met its objectives: providing care and relief to flood victims, involving members in meaningful service, and building goodwill with government and community leaders.
