21 January 2026 – In response to this week’s declaration of a national disaster by government owing to torrential rains, widespread flooding, and severe weather that have claimed at least 30 lives – primarily in Limpopo and Mpumalanga – Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) CEO Chris Campbell says that its members have the specialised engineering expertise to support recovery and rebuilding efforts, working in partnership with government and relevant stakeholders through appropriate and established processes.

The national disaster declaration, made under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act of 2002 by the Head of the National Disaster Management Centre, enables a co-ordinated national response to the devastating floods that have damaged thousands of homes, washed away roads and bridges and caused extensive environmental and infrastructure harm in provinces including Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Kwa-Zulu Natal.

The declaration also acknowledges ongoing challenges such as wildfires in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces, as well as in the Free State and other severe weather impacts, such as the drought in Knysna in the Western Cape.

“Our hearts go out to all affected families and communities across South Africa during this difficult time,” says Campbell. “We fully support the national disaster response efforts and our members are available to offer their technical expertise to local governments in these affected areas”.

Click here to download the full press release in a Word document format.