Molweni Residents Demand Urgent Bridge Repairs After Matric Pupil Drowns in uMngeni River
KwaZulu-Natal Floods: Community Outrage Over Infrastructure Failures
As the KZN floods persist, residents of Molweni, west of Durban, are furious after the tragic drowning of Nomzamo Dlamini, a matric pupil from Tholulwazi High School. Dlamini drowned while attempting to cross a low-lying bridge that was submerged after severe storms. Her body was discovered in the uMngeni River on Saturday after she had been missing since Thursday.
The tragedy has reignited frustrations over the long-standing issue of inadequate infrastructure in the area. Community members, angered by years of unfulfilled promises, nearly threw local councillor Siyabonga Nala into the river when he visited the scene.
Decade-Long Bridge Issues and Community Frustration
The low-lying bridge in Molweni has been a significant hazard for years, especially during heavy rains when flooding makes it impassable. Residents are forced to take long detours through Waterfall to access areas such as Wyebank, Clermont, New Germany, Kloof, and Pinetown.
Londiwe Zulu, a local resident, expressed her frustration:
“Since the 2022 floods, we have been pleading for the construction of two low-lying bridges. Two people drowned back then and were never found. Funds have been allocated, but no work has been done. The councillor keeps making empty promises.”
Protests and Calls for Government Action
On Monday, March 18, 2025, angry residents blocked roads in protest, demanding immediate action from the eThekwini Municipality. Many learners from eKuthuleni and Zamokuhle who attend school in Molweni have been unable to attend classes due to the high water levels.
Zulu added that the community wants eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba to visit and witness the dire state of the bridges.
A local resident, speaking anonymously, revealed that the community’s frustration boiled over when Nala arrived:
“People were so angry that some tried to push him into the river. His explanations made no sense. We are tired of waiting while lives are being lost.”
Councillor Nala’s Response
Attempts to get a comment from Councillor Nala were unsuccessful. However, on social media, he confirmed visiting the grieving Dlamini family, offering condolences and pledging municipal support for funeral arrangements.
Nala admitted on Newzroom Afrika that the issue of the two bridges has persisted for over a decade, worsened by the devastating April 2022 floods that washed them away.
WATCH: http://tinyurl.com/2rzzkw62
Meanwhile, eThekwini Municipality Search and Rescue recovered another body from the uMngeni River on Monday, found by a fisherman.
With flooding incidents becoming more frequent, residents insist they will continue protests until the government delivers on long-overdue infrastructure upgrades.
Also read: Rising Natural Disasters Highlight the Growing Need for Insurance Protection
