In the aftermath of recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal, eThekwini residents face a new challenge - being able to keep the lights on and water running from taps.

Social service officials have arrived in Umlazi in Durban where they are assisting affected residents with getting new identity documents and birth certificates, among others.

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane is assembling a team to keep tabs on government’s relief efforts in flood ravaged KwaZulu-Natal.

Umlazi and Lamontville townships which are near the two collapsed bridges connecting the townships to the N2 highway are one of the worst-hit areas in the province.

Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says R143 million has been allocated to help residents in Durban’s informal settlements repair their damaged homes.

The death toll from the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal has risen to 395.

The mood was sombre as the five living wives of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini gathered at his homestead to honour the one-year anniversary of his death.

Family factions and legal wrangling have cast one of the most secretive royal families in South Africa into the spotlight.