On Monday 9 May 2022, the National Commissioner of the SAPS, Gen Fannie Masemola along with members of his management team conducted a site visit at the joint operational centre (JOC) for search and rescue teams at the Virginia Airport in Durban.

This happened while search and rescue teams continued to search for missing people who had been swept away during the floods that hit the province during April 2022.

Since disaster struck, search and rescue teams have been working around the clock in assisting families to find their loved ones.

This time, the National Commissioner took time to appreciate and applaud the dedication and patriotism displayed by all involved. He thanked and encouraged all for the seamless integrated cooperation and coordination of expertise.

“Thank you for all that you have done for this country. You have indeed displayed patriotism. All of you are our national pride. We thank you for your dedication and commitment to the cause of serving. Your good deeds will indeed be written in the books of history,” Gen Masemola said.

The SAPS has deployed frontline officers, diving teams, K9 units and various vessels, helicopters and fixed air wing planes to the most affected areas.

On behalf of Servamus and our readers, we also want to say “thank you” to all the search and rescue teams - including from private organisations and institutions - that have played a vital role in sharing their expertise, time and resources during the flooding disaster in KwaZulu-Natal.