Western Cape Premier has thanked national government for its swift response in declaring the province a disaster area. It follows nearly two weeks of severe weather conditions that left thousands of structures destroyed and residents displaced.

Speaking in a joint debate in Parliament on Friday, Winde stressed that the Western Cape government is committed to building a better South Africa by supporting the grand coalition government.

Winde went on to further acknowledge the swiftness of the newly appointed Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Velenkosi Hlabisa for granting the provincial disaster status on the same day the provincial government requested it.