Thursday, 8 June 2017 - Speaker of the National Assembly Ms Baleka Mbete has, on behalf of Parliament, extended sympathies with the friends and family of people who lost their lives due to the severe weather conditions. Our thoughts are also with those who lost their homes or properties.

We commend the emergency and other services for their work in managing the difficult situation and providing support to those in need.

In the face of this tragedy, we also extend a special word of appreciation to humanitarian efforts by individuals and organised formations who are coming out to assist those in distress in various ways. We encourage all South Africans to lend a helping hand where they can.

Parliament notes that it is mostly the poorest sections of our society that usually bear the brunt of natural calamities, such as severe weather conditions, due to the conditions under which they live. Government is, therefore, urged to intensify the delivery of quality services to tangibly improve the material conditions of our people to cushion them against such tragic conditions.

As Parliament, we stand in solidarity with the people of the Western Cape, particularly the victims, during this difficult time.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

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