This, after localised flooding as a result of the heavy rain on Wednesday. Whilst many dwellers have expressed gratitude that their shacks have not completely collapsed or that they are left destitute similar to last year when they experienced heavy rain, many are complaining over flooded shelters and damaged furniture. 

One of the elderly community members aged 64, told OFM News they are not sure how they are going to sleep tonight as their bedding and clothes are still wet. The 64-year-old pensioner, living with her daughter and grandson, says their plight to the government has seemingly fallen on deaf ears. They told the OFM News team they are amongst community members who have engaged with the provincial government last year and was promised to be moved to a more developed area, but none of that has materialised.

“We can’t sleep at night, especially when it rains heavily. We have to make use of buckets to keep the rain out of our shelter to save the little furniture we are left with.”

The family says they have now resolved to place a sail on their roof to remedy the situation.

The South African Weather Service has meanwhile issued a yellow warning with disruptive rainfall expected until Friday over Central South Africa.

The Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM) has, on the other hand, issued a warning to its residents regarding the heavy rain. The municipality spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, in a statement urged residents to be cautious on the roads and in their homes.

OFM News/Katleho Morapela and Lucky Nkuyane