KZN flood panic debunked: Tourism authorities slam fake social media footage as South Coast remains open and operational

As the people of KwaZulu-Natal grapple with the aftermath of sudden torrential rains, Mandy Massey from the South Coast Tourism Development Authority has called for calm following a wave of misinformation that has swept across social media. Massey clarified that many images and videos circulating online after Sunday’s downpour were not from the recent rains but rather from previous flood events in 2023. The rainfall on Sunday was intense, with some areas receiving up to 160 millimetres over a span of just four hours. This sudden influx left local infrastructure struggling to cope, causing temporary flooding in various sectors, particularly in local businesses.

Massey said local government officials and business leaders wanted the public to know that the conditions were not as dire as suggested by misleading online posts. “We had significant rainfall after 4:30 pm on Sunday, leading to localised flooding in some areas. It just makes common sense that with such an enormous amount of rain in a short period, there’s no place for the water to go,” Massey explained.

She noted that many businesses, including popular spots like the Shelly Centre and Margate Sands, joined in the efforts to clear floodwaters as they mobilised staff and resources to clean up. Despite the waterlogged conditions, the Shelly Centre has reported minimal damage and resumed normal operations by the following afternoon. “I do not know of any business that is not operational. Our community came together, and it is important to acknowledge the resilience shown during these trying times,” she stated.

While there are reports of sinkholes in some residential areas, the roads remain safe and accessible, enabling traffic to continue without hindrance, Massey said. Leonard Gormel, general manager of Margate Sands, also reassured concerned guests by conducting video calls to show them the operational state of the hotel and its immediate environment. Gormel said the floods had done minimal damage and that all routes leading in and out of the South Coast were open, and no damage occurred. “I can tell you now, there are no B&Bs or hotels that are affected by the floods. I was sent a 2023 video depicting damage that took place then, and I immediately took a video to assure tourists and our guests that everything was well,” he said.

The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) expressed concern about the misleading images and video footage from the 2023 floods circulating on social media, incorrectly portrayed as footage from Sunday’s incident. The agency stated that the misinformation has caused unnecessary stress and anxiety for tourists who have planned visits to the South Coast during this peak holiday period. Brett Tungay, National Chairperson of FEDHASA, said, “What continues to define the South Coast is not disruption, but resilience and the spirit of the South Coast communities. Once again, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, its Disaster and Crisis Management teams, tourism businesses, community organisations, and residents worked side by side to respond swiftly and responsibly. We applaud this collective effort, ensuring that recovery was fast, disruption was minimal, and visitors could continue to enjoy their holidays with confidence.”

FEDHASA urges tourists and prospective visitors not to rely on unverified social media content but rather to contact their accommodation establishments or tourism operators directly for accurate, real-time information, said Tungay. The Ugu District Municipality activated its Disaster Management Rapid Response team, including Fire and Rescue Services, when the heavy rains fell. Zimbini Mpurwana, the municipality’s spokesperson, stated that as part of Municipal Joint Operations, Mayor Skhumbuzo Mqadi led the Executive Committee in overseeing the rehabilitation process, while Municipal Manager Vela Mazibuko, together with all HODs, converged to fast track operations. Ugu's Water and Sanitation teams were also dispatched to inspect and restore, clear obstructions, and assess damage to critical infrastructure, including water pipelines. “KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, accompanied by Ugu Mayor Sikhumbuzo Mqadi and Ray Nkonyeni Mayor Zodwa Mzindle, visited the Ugu Disaster Nerve Centre to assess damages and engaged with affected communities. The municipality continues to work with all relevant stakeholders to support affected residents and implement recovery measures as a matter of urgency,” said Mpurwana.