MEC Makamu saddened by third drowning death in Waterberg

The Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Basikopo Makamu, has expressed deep sadness following the drowning of a third person in the Waterberg District amid persistent heavy rains.

The latest victim has been identified as 24-year-old Phillimon Seanego, whose body was recovered from the Galakwena River. Seanego was reported missing on 24 December 2025 at the Gilead Police Station.

His death brings the total number of drowning fatalities recorded in the district to three, two of whom were young people. 

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MEC Makamu described the loss as devastating, reiterating that even one death is one too many. “Like we always say, One death is just too many. Now the province is counting three deaths due to drowning”, MEC Makamu said.

However, he commended the SAPS Water Wing Unit, the Anglo Rescue Team and the Waterberg Disaster Management officials for their coordinated efforts in recovering the body.

The officials of the District Disaster Management Centers in the five districts of Limpopo are hands on, doing assessments where communities were badly affected. Electricity has been restored in Nkowankowa, Lenyenye, Dan, Muhlava and other surrounding areas that did not have electricity, and trees that blocked the roads have been removed. 

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It has also been reported that more than 300 homes have been destroyed in the Greater Tzaneen municipality in Mopani District.

The MEC has urged residents to remain vigilant during the rainy season and to prioritise safety, especially as families travel and gather for New Year celebrations.