Community unites for healing ceremony one year after Tongaat tornado
The Naidoo Road Civic Association will hold a ceremony and peace prayer on the first anniversary of the devastating Tongaat tornado.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
With June 3 marking a year since a tornado devastated Tongaat, the Naidoo Road Civic Association (NRCA) will hold a post-tornado ceremony and peace prayer over the weekend.
It will be held in the spirit of unity, healing, and gratitude.
The association extended the invitation to community members, partners, and well-wishers.
NRCA chairperson Suresh Ramsahai said: 'In the aftermath of the recent tornado, our community has shown immense resilience, solidarity, and compassion. This event is an opportunity to come together in peace, reflect on our shared journey, and extend sincere thanks to those who supported and uplifted us during difficult times.'
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
He said that as a gesture of appreciation, the NRCA will present certificates of gratitude to individuals and organisations that played a significant role in aiding the community's recovery.
'Let us stand together in peace, reflection, and hope,' Ramsahai said.
Naidoo Road is in Fairbreeze, Tongaat. Ramsahai said the area was badly affected by the tornado, and people did not acknowledge the area until he went on the news.
'We were hit very badly,' Ramsahai said.
He said several sponsors helped them with clothing, and some rebuilt their homes, adding that the government did not help them.
Ramsahai said he was renting a property on Naidoo Road when the tornado hit.
'I lost everything, and I had to start from scratch. It was tough,' Ramsahai said. 'I bought a damaged house on the road and had sponsors help me to build the place, and then I moved in there.'
The post-tornado ceremony and peace prayer will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 2pm on Naidoo Road, cul-de-sac.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) concluded that the tornado could be rated as an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale.
The SAWS said at least two tornadoes were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal on June 3. One of the tornadoes, called a 'wedge' tornado because it was wider and larger than it is tall, resulted in severe damage in the Tongaat area.
The thunderstorm that produced the tornado in Tongaat was confirmed to be a supercell, exhibiting a hook echo, although it lacked the typical rotational signature on the Doppler velocity field due to various radar data limitations.
The supercell features developed from around 3.30pm and dissipated at around 4.41pm, soon after moving off the coast.
Several damage indicators were considered and used to assess the tornado impact around Tongaat and further down towards the coastline.
Considering these key indicators, the SAWS concluded that the Tongaat tornado could be rated as an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with estimated wind speeds of 225 to 265 km/h that occurred within its path.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Cape Town fire displaces hundreds as severe weather approaches
A fire destroyed 45 shacks in a Khayelitsha informal settlement, Cape Town, displacing more than 100 people. Image: Supplied / Gift of the Givers As severe weather settled over Cape Town, a devastating fire in Silvertown, Khayelitsha, left over 140 people displaced and destroyed 45 structures in the early hours of Saturday morning. Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell confirmed the fire broke out late Friday night, with city officials conducting assessments the following morning. 'Following an assessment by Disaster Risk Management officials this morning, it was determined that 45 structures were destroyed, impacting 145 individuals,' she said. City departments have been mobilised to clear debris and restore damaged municipal infrastructure. Humanitarian assistance is being provided by The Salvation Army and Gift of the Givers, while the names of affected residents have been submitted to SASSA and the National Department of Human Settlements for additional support. Ward councillor Thando Pimpi said the community suspects a candle may have caused the fire. 'Some residents didn't have electricity and had to use candles. The displaced people are now housed in churches, while others have sought shelter with relatives,' Pimpi said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He added that shortly after he left the scene, another nearby structure caught fire despite the rainy conditions; fortunately, it was extinguished by residents. Gift of the Givers project coordinator Ali Sablay said their teams remain on standby as more severe weather is forecast for the weekend. 'This comes at the end of a challenging week, with disaster response operations under way in Khayelitsha, Kosovo, and Samora Machel informal settlements, where fires have displaced numerous families,' said Sablay. 'Emergency aid, including hot meals, bottled water, food parcels, blankets, hygiene supplies, and building materials, is being distributed to affected residents.' He added that teams were also deployed in Thembalethu, George, on Saturday morning, where another fire destroyed several structures. Relief is being provided, and further needs are being assessed. Sablay said additional resources have been pre-positioned in anticipation of further weather-related emergencies. 'The teams are working with community leaders, local authorities, and disaster management stakeholders to ensure a rapid and coordinated response. Gift of the Givers remains committed to restoring dignity and providing hope to those affected by disaster.' Meanwhile, Powell said the city's Disaster Risk Management Centre is closely monitoring the weather impacts, after the South African Weather Service upgraded its rainfall advisory from Level 2 to Level 4 on Friday afternoon. 'So far, no significant incidents have been reported to the Disaster Operations Centre, though this may change as conditions evolve,' she said. Residents can report service-related requests via the city's online platforms or call the Customer Call Centre on 0860 103 089. Emergency incidents should be directed to the Public Emergency Communication Centre at 021 480 7700.
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Residents of Lower Illovo to protest against homeless shelter development
Residents of Lower Illovo and surrounding areas are opposing the eThekwini Municipality's plans to build a homeless shelter. Image: Nadia Khan RESIDENTS of Lower Illovo and neighbouring communities on the south of Durban will take to the streets on Saturday (tomorrow), as their pleas to the eThekwini Municipality to halt the building of a homeless shelter in their community have fallen on deaf ears over the past year. The walk will start from the R603 (opposite Engen Garage) to the development site in Walsh Place at 7:30am. Participants are encouraged to wear white to show unity. The residents said while they are not opposed to shelters being built for those in need, the community at large was consulted prior to it being approved. In addition, they have raised various concerns including safety, high unemployment and poor infrastructure in the community. According to reports, the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter will be a 400-bed facility. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The development site for the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter. Image: Nadia Khan Kimeshen Raman, a representative for the concerned residents of Illovo, wrote to the city mayor councillor Cyril Xaba, calling for an urgent response to clarify how the project aligned with the Safer Cities mandate. 'As the head of the Safer Cities Programme, the mayor's role is pivotal in ensuring that urban developments, particularly those intended to support vulnerable populations are designed, implemented, and managed in a manner that enhances public safety, promotes social inclusion, and strengthens communities. 'However, the project currently underway in Illovo appears to contradict the core principles of the Safer Cities initiative, which emphasises that community engagement is essential to fostering ownership and trust. But there was zero community consultation. Illovo residents were not informed or consulted before the construction of a 400-person shelter, a complete departure from participatory planning ideals. 'While the Safer Cities framework speaks of technology, good governance, participatory design, and a holistic approach, what is currently unfolding in Illovo feels imposed, reactive, and poorly coordinated,' he said. Raman said while the residents were not opposed to helping the homeless, they supported 'well-managed, transparent, and properly resourced solutions' that protect everyone's dignity and safety. 'We are now requesting a public consultation meeting with Illovo residents, school representatives, and relevant stakeholders. 'We also ask that there be a pause on construction until a proper impact assessment and engagement process is completed and for a review of the shelter location to determine its suitability in light of these serious risks,' he said. Raman said while his email has been acknowledged, he has yet to receive feedback. The POST also spoke to residents, who have been protesting at the development site since early last week, demanding that the construction be halted until they received their answers. Gugu Sisilana, the city's spokesperson, said the ward councillor was informed of the project, and he consulted the ward committee. 'Public participation happens within the ward through the councillor, as part of community meetings. If issues raised require further explanation, municipal officials are invited to provide responses.' Sisilana said the primary recipients will be homeless individuals within the municipality who have been identified as vulnerable and in need of shelter. She said the facility was not a 'night shelter'. 'The facility is intended to provide temporary accommodation for homeless individuals while ensuring they receive the necessary support services. These include medical treatment, psychological care, and access to developmental programmes aimed at rehabilitation, social reintegration, and long-term pathways out of homelessness. 'The individuals accommodated will not reside at the facility permanently. They will be reintegrated into society or reunited with their families, based on assessments and recommendations made by qualified social workers,' she said. Sisilana said that phase two of the shelter restoration project is currently underway. She added that at this stage, the city was focused on completing the current restoration project, and that there were no immediate plans to upgrade the infrastructure to accommodate more people. THE POST
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Community unites for healing ceremony one year after Tongaat tornado
The Naidoo Road Civic Association will hold a ceremony and peace prayer on the first anniversary of the devastating Tongaat tornado. Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers With June 3 marking a year since a tornado devastated Tongaat, the Naidoo Road Civic Association (NRCA) will hold a post-tornado ceremony and peace prayer over the weekend. It will be held in the spirit of unity, healing, and gratitude. The association extended the invitation to community members, partners, and well-wishers. NRCA chairperson Suresh Ramsahai said: 'In the aftermath of the recent tornado, our community has shown immense resilience, solidarity, and compassion. This event is an opportunity to come together in peace, reflect on our shared journey, and extend sincere thanks to those who supported and uplifted us during difficult times.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He said that as a gesture of appreciation, the NRCA will present certificates of gratitude to individuals and organisations that played a significant role in aiding the community's recovery. 'Let us stand together in peace, reflection, and hope,' Ramsahai said. Naidoo Road is in Fairbreeze, Tongaat. Ramsahai said the area was badly affected by the tornado, and people did not acknowledge the area until he went on the news. 'We were hit very badly,' Ramsahai said. He said several sponsors helped them with clothing, and some rebuilt their homes, adding that the government did not help them. Ramsahai said he was renting a property on Naidoo Road when the tornado hit. 'I lost everything, and I had to start from scratch. It was tough,' Ramsahai said. 'I bought a damaged house on the road and had sponsors help me to build the place, and then I moved in there.' The post-tornado ceremony and peace prayer will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 2pm on Naidoo Road, cul-de-sac. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) concluded that the tornado could be rated as an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. The SAWS said at least two tornadoes were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal on June 3. One of the tornadoes, called a 'wedge' tornado because it was wider and larger than it is tall, resulted in severe damage in the Tongaat area. The thunderstorm that produced the tornado in Tongaat was confirmed to be a supercell, exhibiting a hook echo, although it lacked the typical rotational signature on the Doppler velocity field due to various radar data limitations. The supercell features developed from around 3.30pm and dissipated at around 4.41pm, soon after moving off the coast. Several damage indicators were considered and used to assess the tornado impact around Tongaat and further down towards the coastline. Considering these key indicators, the SAWS concluded that the Tongaat tornado could be rated as an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with estimated wind speeds of 225 to 265 km/h that occurred within its path.
