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The Western Cape Premier, Gerald Morkel, this morning requested the President, Mr Thabo Mbeki, to declare the Cape Flats a disaster area. More than10 000 families have already been left homeless after the worst rains in 40 years in some areas.

In a letter to President Mbeki, Mr Morkel says immediate assistance from National Government and the broader public is desperately required and therefore necessitates the declaration of large parts of the Cape Flats as a disaster area.

The worst hit areas on the Cape Flats are Phillipi, Khayelitsha, Brown's Farm, KTC and Wallacedene. This list may grow as more information is gathered.

The Provincial MEC of Social Services, Mr David Malatsi, accompanied by the Minister for Population Development, Mr Zola Skweyiya, visited the flooded areas this morning. Following his report back to Mr Morkel, the Premier decided to request the President to declare the Cape Flats a disaster area. "I, and members of my Provincial Cabinet, are convinced that only the declaration of a disaster area will enable sufficient funds to be released for effective relief and assistance in the affected areas," Mr Morkel said.

The Premier also appealed to the public to open their hearts and their purses in support of the many relief organisations such as the Red Cross, St John's Ambulance, the Salvation Army and others already supporting the flood victims in the area. The Western Cape Province has earmarked more than R300 000 for relief aid. "We will provide even more funds as the need arises," Mr Morkel said.

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape, 24 August 2001