Heroes in action amidst the chaos

Thabazimbi – Severe flooding in Thabazimbi and surrounding areas over the past few weeks has left roads impassable, communities stranded, and rescue teams working tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents. The coordinated efforts of emergency personnel, private aviation teams, and local businesses have played a critical role in saving the day. 

Emergency response: lives saved

From 19 February to 23 February 2025, rescue operations were in full force, with a combination of aviation and ground teams responding to distress calls. Helicopters were a crucial lifeline, airlifting stranded residents to safety and delivering essential supplies.

On 19 February, emergency responders conducted 25 aviation rescues and six ground rescues in various parts of Thabazimbi. Tragically, one life was lost. Throughout the day, 19 flights transported 34 emergency personnel to affected mining areas. That evening, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) remained on standby, and an Incident Command Post (ICP) was established at the airstrip at 06:00 the following morning to coordinate further operations.

By 20 February, rescue teams intensified their efforts. At 06:20, five people were airlifted to safety from the R510 near Roodedam. Later that morning, nine individuals and two dogs were rescued from the Rino Mine security hostel. A further airlift at 15:45 saved a stranded individual from Eagles Nest on the R511.

Delivering relief: food, medicine, and fuel

Beyond rescues, flight operations focused on delivering crucial supplies. Over the course of February 22 and 23, helicopters made 16 supply flights to deliver food, medicine, and fuel to affected areas.

Flights also transported emergency responders and relocated stranded civilians:

February 22:

• 21 flights transported 42 people
• 11 flights delivered supplies
• 34 emergency workers flown to mines
• 2 civilians airlifted to safety

February 23:

• 23 flights transported 46 people
• 5 flights delivered supplies
• 38 emergency workers flown to mines
• 8 civilians airlifted to safety

Ground teams also played a critical role, monitoring water levels and navigating impassable roads. Over the two days, 38 trips were conducted to assess road conditions and ensure accessibility where possible.

A team effort: acknowledging the heroes

The success of the operations would not have been possible without the combined efforts of multiple organisations and individuals.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mogalakwena Search and Rescue, Wildmed, the Waterberg Disaster Team, SSG for their R44 helicopter and pilot, and the private pilots who selflessly stepped up in the time of crisis:

• Jager Aviation: Kahn de Jager, Jaco Jacobs
• Fly PB: Pieter Breugem
• Indigo Helicopters: Dolph van der Merwe
• DC van Eden
• SSG Security Company for providing additional aerial support

A special acknowledgment goes to Thaba Fire and Rescue. 

Messages of gratitude

Angelique Loots, one of the key coordinators, shared her thoughts on the immense effort behind the rescue operations: “We did everything in our power to prevent a critical situation from becoming a disaster. This was not about recognition or exposure — it was about helping people because we care. To the community, thank you for your support, your kind words, and your donations — whether it was coffee, biscuits, or drinking water. Every gesture made a difference.”

Pierre Loots also expressed his gratitude to the many businesses and individuals who stepped forward:

“A huge thank you to Amandelbult Complex Mine, Northam Platinum Mine, Mogalakwena Mine, the Limpopo Disaster Management Team, and our private helicopter pilots. Your assistance was invaluable. We also deeply appreciate the contribution from SSG Security for their helicopter deployment.”

In times of crisis, the power of community support is undeniable. A massive thank you to all our sponsors who contributed during this difficult time:

• Skeerpoort Verspreiders
• MBT Buzz
• Spur
• Steers
• Koolstoof
• Pick n Pay
• Thabazimbi Spar
• Ecco Mountain Inn
• Martie Smith
• Mione de Witt

Your generosity helped ensure that rescue teams and affected residents had the support they needed.

Looking ahead

Though the waters are receding, the work is not yet over. Monitoring efforts continue, and emergency teams remain on standby should the situation change. To everyone who played a role in these critical efforts — thank you.