By Johnathan Paoli
The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has warned against unnecessary travel amid a powerful winter gripping South Africa with snow, torrential rain, and gale-force winds.
Temporary shelters are in place in flood-prone areas, and the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) stands ready for humanitarian aid in remote regions.
With road closures, power outages, and safety concerns mounting, the government urged residents to take immediate precautions.
“Government urges citizens to dress warmly as the country experiences cold weather conditions. Wear multiple layers of clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and thick socks to retain body heat,” the Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS) stated in a national level alert.
“Stay indoors where possible. Limit travel and outdoor exposure, especially for the elderly, children and those with chronic illnesses.”
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) confirmed that a deep cut-off low has led to plunging temperatures and extreme weather in much of the interior and coastal regions.
A series of orange and yellow-level warnings have been issued, particularly for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, Gauteng and parts of the Western Cape.
In Johannesburg, temperatures dropped below freezing as icy winds swept across the Gauteng highveld.
While snowfall has not reached the inner city, nearby high-lying areas could see flurries overnight.
The last notable snowfall in the city occurred in July 2023.
Snowfall of over 30cm has been recorded in parts of KZN and the Eastern Cape, prompting the closure of major roads.
The N2 between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg and the R603 between Tacoma and Reitz have been shut due to treacherous conditions.
Trucks have become stuck in the snow, leading to severe congestion.
In the Eastern Cape, the Lootsberg Pass between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg closed earlier today due to heavy snow, prompting traffic authorities to caution that mountain passes may remain impassable for days.
The province is contending with one of its most severe weather events in recent memory.
Orange and yellow-level alerts have been issued for regions including Joe Gqabi Local Municipality, OR Tambo Local Municipality, Buffalo Metropolitan City, Alfred Nzo and Chris Hani district municipalities.
Molteno, Matatiele, and Graaff-Reinet have been particularly hard hit, with some communities entirely isolated by snow and mudslides. Additionally, coastal municipalities like Ndlambe and Sundays River Valley have reported instances of flooding.
KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed that Road Traffic Inspectorate teams are monitoring and managing traffic on all major routes including the N3 Mooi River, N2 Kokstad, and regional roads near Underberg.
Motorists have been advised to delay travel or seek alternative routes.
Eskom KwaZulu-Natal has reported widespread electricity outages following a combination of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall.
Areas affected include Empangeni, Eshowe, Ladysmith, Ixopo, Kokstad, Jozini, Harding, and many rural towns such as Franklin, Bulwer, and uMzimkhulu.
Technical teams have been deployed to restore power, but flooding and snow-covered roads have made access to some areas impossible.
Eskom has urged the public to treat all electrical infrastructure as live and avoid contact with downed power lines.
“We understand the frustration this causes and appeal for patience. We are working under extremely challenging conditions,” said Zethu Sonjica, spokesperson for Eskom KZN.
The Western Cape has also been battered by strong winds and heavy swells.
SAWS issued a yellow Level 4 warning for damaging winds and waves along the coast from Saldanha Bay to Plettenberg Bay.
Small vessels have been urged to remain in harbour due to rough seas and the risk of capsizing.
Interior regions of the province, including parts of the Overberg and Garden Route, have reported icy winds and isolated snowfalls.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture department has urged farmers to take urgent protective measures.
Livestock owners are advised to provide shelter and energy-rich feed to animals, especially in the Free State, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, where snow and icy winds pose a severe threat to livestock survival.
Winter crop farmers have also been advised to monitor soil moisture and follow climate forecasts closely before planting, as rainfall patterns are expected to remain unpredictable throughout mid- and late winter.
SAWS predicts that the cold front will continue to affect the country for the next few days, with snow expected to persist over the Lesotho border and high-altitude regions. Temperatures will remain low, particularly in central South Africa.
Citizens are encouraged to monitor official government platforms, Eskom alerts and the weather service for real-time updates; for emergencies, residents should contact local disaster management centres and report hazards including fallen trees or power lines.
INSIDE METROS