How can South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal province flood-proof itself?

Over the last month or so, two successive floods have hammered South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal province.

More than 400 people have lost their lives, and roads, bridges and schools are amongst the infrastructure damaged in what has been described as the biggest natural disaster of post-apartheid South Africa.

But why has the region been so badly impacted by this flooding? Is this the ‘new-normal’ because of climate change? And what can be done to protect people from future catastrophes?

Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje puts these questions to the KwaZulu Natal premier Sihle Zikalala and climate scientist Dr. Justin Pringle – as well as meeting a lifeguard, Mthokozisi Cele, who sprang into action to save lives the morning the floods gushed through his local area. “A lot of people were screaming inside their houses, cars were all over, sinking in the rivers. And I could see that if I don’t help them, they will die.”

Presenter: Mpho Lakaje (@mpholakaje)