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The Citizen
26-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Eastern Cape faces snow warning after floods leave 101 dead
As Eastern Cape residents prepare for another weather challenge this weekend, the focus remains on balancing immediate weather response with ongoing flood recovery efforts. Goats grazing in the snow in the Eastern Cape. Picture: X/@AfricanHub_ Eastern Cape residents, still reeling from catastrophic floods that claimed 101 lives earlier this month, now face another weather challenge as authorities warn of snowfall and damaging winds expected to hit the province this weekend. The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow level 2 warning valid from Thursday, 26 June 2025, until Friday, 27 June 2025, predicting snow in high-lying areas and dangerous coastal conditions that could disrupt traffic and pose risks to life. An extended weather forecast for Friday and Saturday predicts partly cloudy and cold to cool weather with isolated showers and rain in parts of the province. Extended weather forecast for Friday and Saturday, 27-28 June 2025: Partly cloudy and cold to cool with isolated showers and rain in places. #saws #SAWeather — SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) June 25, 2025 Snow expected in Eastern Cape high-lying areas Provincial Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose confirmed that authorities are preparing for challenging weather conditions ahead. 'We have taken note of the Saws warning for less-than-ideal weather conditions in the province this week. 'Snowfall that may affect the flow of traffic in some areas; we are certainly expecting that in some of our high-laying areas, particularly Barkly East,' Binqose said. The transport department is deploying resources to affected areas, with Binqose explaining: 'We'll deploy resources and personnel to those roads that are expected to be affected by this. Things such as graders to remove snow and officers to redirect traffic should there be any road closures.' When asked whether the snowfall could lead to additional flooding concerns, Binqose expressed cautious optimism based on historical patterns. 'It hardly ever does, from past experiences, but we will take caution,' he said. The weather service forecast indicates 30-60% chance of showers and rain across central and southern parts of South Africa, with 80% probability in the southwest. Snow is expected in high-lying areas in the Cape provinces, accompanied by damaging winds and waves. ALSO READ: Weather alert: Strong winds, rain and snow batter interior Dangerous coastal conditions predicted The weather warning details severe maritime conditions, with a deep low-pressure system expected to bring strong to gale-force winds of 60 to 70 km/h along the coast between Plettenberg Bay and Port Edward. Wave heights are forecast to reach 5m to 6m, with offshore areas potentially experiencing 7m waves. Saws further warned of multiple impacts, including: Difficulty in navigation for vessels at sea, risk to small vessels of taking on water and capsizing, potential rogue wave formation, disruption of harbours and ports, disruption to beachfront activities, and danger to life. Additional damaging winds are expected across several municipalities including Koukamma, Kouga, Ndlambe, Ngqushwa, Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metro areas. Eastern Cape flood disaster recovery continues The severe weather warning comes as the province continues grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods that struck between 9-10 June 2025. MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Zolile Williams provided a comprehensive update on the disaster's impact during a media briefing on Thursday. 'As of today, 26 June 2025, we can confirm that 101 people have died following the disastrous weather condition that hit our province, with the youngest victim recovered in Mthatha, an infant of about 12 months,' Williams announced. The death toll breakdown shows OR Tambo District accounting for 77 fatalities, Amatole District 10, Buffalo City 5, Chris Hani 5, Joe Gqabi 2, and Sarah Baartman 2. Williams revealed that of the total deaths, 63 were adults and 38 were children, with 32 of the children identified as minors. The MEC noted the emotional toll the disaster has taken on officials. 'Announcing additional fatalities each day since the tragedy began on the 10th of June has placed an immense emotional toll on the provincial government. The repeated need to relay such tragic updates has been both deeply painful and mentally draining to all of us.' Billion needed to address infrastructure damage The floods caused extensive damage across multiple sectors, with infrastructure repair costs estimated at R5.1 billion. Williams broke down the financial impact: 'About R3.2 billion is required across sector departments with R1.8 billion for the municipal infrastructure as per the municipal agency called Misa assessments.' Housing has been severely affected, with 6 869 households impacted province-wide, excluding Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. A total of 4 724 people have been left homeless, while 2 145 homes suffered partial damage. The cost for temporary residential units is estimated at R461 million, though the province has allocated R120 million for immediate needs. Road infrastructure repair costs alone are estimated at R935 million, with the Department of Transport re-prioritising 102 million rand from its budget, leaving a deficit of R832 million. Currently, 29 roads remain closed in Chris Hani and 22 in OR Tambo districts. The education sector has also been severely impacted, with 431 schools and 69 health facilities affected at varying degrees across the province. Agricultural losses include 1 339 units of livestock and 1 803 hectares of destroyed crops. ALSO READ: Eastern Cape floods: Here's how much victims will be given to rebuild their homes Government response to Eastern Cape flood damage and recovery efforts A national state of disaster has been declared in response to the widespread destruction, enabling additional funding and resources for recovery efforts. The provincial government is implementing a phased disaster response plan, currently focused on immediate relief and stabilisation. Williams outlined the accommodation strategy for displaced families: 'The Department of Human Settlements in partnership with the OR Tambo District Municipality have successfully activated mass cash shelters, including bed and breakfast facilities and community halls, to provide immediate housing for displaced families in OR Tambo and Mthatha. These arrangements will remain in place for a 30-day period.' Land has been identified for approximately 1 100 temporary residential units in Mthatha, while King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality is awaiting a council resolution on identified land parcels. The provincial government continues restoring basic services, with electricity supply restored to over 80% of affected customers and over 95% of water supply restored in OR Tambo and Amatole district municipalities. Ongoing challenges and appeals The recovery process faces several challenges, including the complex task of relocating families from flood-prone areas. Williams explained the approach: 'We have not instructed anyone to return there because the challenge is you are sending the people back to those homes, and the structures have been affected because they have been underwater. So obviously the structural integrity will be in question.' The government continues to appeal for support from private sector partners, requesting donations of non-perishable food supplies, toiletries, sanitary packs, nutrition packs, nappies, baby food, crockery and cutlery, washing basins and buckets, cleaning materials, stoves, clothing, shoes, and basic furniture. ALSO READ: Are Sassa payments in the Eastern Cape at risk due to floods and a looming cold front? Financial accountability measures Addressing public concerns about financial management during the crisis, Williams emphasised the province's commitment to transparency. 'I wish to assure the people of our province and South Africa at large that we are committed to ensuring financial accountability,' he said. Williams highlighted the province's track record, noting: 'This government of the Eastern Cape cannot have more than 13 departments having clean audit opinions, and you still would find us being crazy when it comes to this disaster funding. So the systems we have, internal control mechanisms will be ignited and assist every department to ensure that funds are spent properly and value for money for each and every project is realised.' The province has implemented multiple monitoring mechanisms, including the Provincial Infrastructure Coordination Committee (PICC) and risk-adjusted strategies for local government oversight. As Eastern Cape residents prepare for another weather challenge this weekend, the focus remains on balancing immediate weather response with ongoing flood recovery efforts. NOW READ: Eastern Cape residents say they've been ignored by government after floods
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- The Citizen
Three teachers dead, two injured in horror crash in Eastern Cape
The cause of the crash is being investigated. The accident involving a bakkie occurred at a rural road in near Canzibe Hospital in Ngqeleni, OR Tambo District on Tuesday. Picture: Eastern Cape Transport Department. Three female teachers have been killed, and two others severely injured, in a collision in the Eastern Cape. The crash involving a bakkie occurred on a rural road near Canzibe Hospital in Ngqeleni, OR Tambo District on Tuesday. Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose stated that the two injured individuals were transported to a hospital in Mthatha. Accident Binqose said the identities of the teachers are currently unknown. 'It is alleged that the bakkie, used as a staff transport, lost a tyre, the driver lost control, and the vehicle veered off the road, killing the three people on impact. 'It is believed that the vehicle was used as a staff transport by teachers from a nearby school. Teachers, all females, have died while two others, including the driver, also female, were critically injured from an accident involving a bakkie in Ngqeleni, OR Tambo District – Eastern Cape,' Binqose said. Binqose said a case of culpable homicide has been opened for further investigation. 'Our primary responsibility at this stage is to save as many lives as possible,' Binqose said. ALSO READ: 15 killed, five injured in head-on crash in Eastern Cape Massive crash Last month, at least 15 people died, and five others sustained injuries in a head-on collision involving a fully loaded minibus taxi and a bakkie in the Eastern Cape. The accident occurred on the R63 road between Adelaide and Maqoma (Fort Beaufort) at about midnight on Saturday. Binqose said the cause of the accident is being investigated. 'It is alleged that a white Quantum, travelling from Qonce (King Williams Town) to Cape Town, collided head-on with an Isuzu double cab that was travelling from Adelaide to KwaMaqoma. The driver of the double-cab died on the scene, and 13 passengers in the Quantum were also declared dead on the scene, including the driver. 'Six injured occupants of the Quantum were rushed to Provincial Hospital for treatment, one of them later succumbed to injuries on arrival at the hospital, taking the number of deceased to 15,' Binqose said. NOW READ: Six extortion suspects killed in shootout with police in Mthatha
Daily Maverick
22-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
Manganese carrier truck driver held for allegedly trying to bribe Eastern Cape traffic officer
The driver of a manganese carrier truck was pulled off on the N10 in the Eastern Cape just outside Cookhouse on Friday, after he allegedly offered a traffic officer a bribe when she pulled him over for driving an unroadworthy vehicle. A young Eastern Cape traffic officer refused an alleged bribe of R1,500 by a manganese truck driver after she pulled the vehicle off the road for being in a dangerous condition. Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, said the woman who arrested the driver was a young traffic officer recruited only in December last year. He said the truck, which was registered in the Northern Cape, was in a dangerous condition. Binqose confirmed that the truck was a manganese carrier. 'It was deemed a moving hazard with various defects ranging from a loose steering rack, loose wiring in the cabin and tyres that were [in poor] condition,' he said. He said the driver had offered the officer a R1,500 bribe, which she refused. She then proceeded to arrest the driver. Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha applauded the officer for her 'act of bravery and absolute patriotism', putting public safety over personal gain. He said her actions would save lives. History of crashes 'The N10 road has seen a lot of crashes involving trucks with defects like this one, not only claiming lives, but also resulting in lengthy road closures,' Binqose said. In February 2024, a traffic officer, Sisanda Hadi, was knocked over and killed when she tried to pull over a manganese truck at the Kinkelbos weighbridge on the N2. In September 2023, about 17km before Cookhouse, a manganese carrier crashed into the vehicle of Middelburg businessman Calla Perry, killing him. The number of heavy trucks on the N10 passing Cradock has increased from 5,795 in 2021/22 to an estimated 15,000 trucks in the 2023/2024 financial year, according to information provided by Nqatha to the Eastern Cape Legislature. Manganese is transported by truck from mines in the Northern Cape and exported, mainly through the Port of Port Elizabeth in Gqeberha, where Transnet houses its main export facility for manganese in South Africa. In the past month, there have been at least two serious incidents involving heavy trucks on the N10. Two weeks ago, authorities had to struggle for eight hours to clear the wreckage and reopen the route after the N10 between Cookhouse and Nxuba [Cradock] was closed following a head-on collision involving two trucks. Last year, Nqatha said spot checks along the N10 were part of a road safety strategy. 'Corridor operations are conducted every month in collaboration with Northern Cape, focusing on heavy road freight. Multidisciplinary roadblocks are also conducted each quarter, focusing on heavy trucks. 'Traffic officers are deployed on a daily basis to patrol the N9 and N10, routes the heavy trucks are travelling. Speed measuring is conducted in certain spots on the N9 and N10 routes,' Nqatha said in response to a question in the Eastern Cape Legislature. DM
The South African
10-06-2025
- Climate
- The South African
Five killed in Eastern Cape as snow, heavy rains persist
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has confirmed that five people have been killed in an accident on the N2. The accident happened between Braakfontein and Cintsa outside East London on Tuesday morning, 10 June, as heavy downpours and snowfall continue to wreak havoc in most parts of the province. Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said adverse weather conditions likely played a role as the driver claimed that the accident occurred after he swerved to avoid a tree that had fallen onto the road. Binqose said the driver lost control of the vehicle and the taxi overturned, resulting in the death of the three adult women and two men. 'The driver and one female passenger were taken to hospital with serious injuries. 'A case of culpable homicide has been opened for further investigations,' he added. The N2 has since been closed and motorists have been advised to use the Old Transkei Road. Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has increased the alert for disruptive rain in the Eastern Cape to an orange level nine. The weather service had already issued multiple warnings over the weekend for rain, damaging winds, and snow in most parts of the Eastern Cape. In the latest warning, the weather service said a cut-off low system is expected to persist over the interior of the country, resulting in heavy showers and thundershowers over the eastern half of the Eastern Cape with possible flooding over the OR Tambo District Municipality. Possible impacts include widespread flooding of roads and settlements, disruption to transport routes and travel services, as well as prolonged disruption to essential services such as water, electricity, and services to communities and schools. The warning comes as major roads and mountain passes were closed on Monday in the Eastern Cape due to snowfall. As of 11:00 on Tuesday, this is how things stand: The Penhoek pass on the N6 between Komani & Aliwal North is open for traffic. The Wapadsberg pass on the R61 between Graaff-Reinet & Cradock is open for traffic. The Lootsberg pass on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet & Middleburg is open for traffic. The Cala pass on the R410 has got multiple fallen trees in a couple of positions on the pass, however, authorities are busy clearing them for traffic flow. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Motorists urged to be cautious as snow falls across Eastern Cape
Snow covered fields, roads and mountian passes in the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape Transport Department has also urged motorists to take precautions on the road. Picture: Screengrab of video. The Eastern Cape Transport Department has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads. The department shared videos with The Citizen showing snow-covered fields and hills. The road surface has a layer of snow on it. Snow Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the Wapadsberg Pass on the R61 between Nxuba (Cradock) and Graaff-Reinet is not yet closed. 'However, motorists are urged to use that road only if they really need to, and in doing that, proceed with caution. We are keeping a close eye on other mountain passes as well. 'We are keeping a close eye on other mountain passes as well. Meanwhile, the N6 road Komani (Queenstown) and Cathcart is closed due to a truck accident that spilled hazardous chemicals on the road. The road will be closed for a period of time,' Binqose said. WATCH Snow in the Eastern Cape The Eastern Cape Transport Department has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads after snowfall in the province. Snow covered fields, roads and mountian passes in the Eastern Cape. Vids: Unathi Binqose #Snow #EasternCape @TheCitizen_News June 9, 2025 ALSO READ: Snow, disruptive rain and severe thunderstorms to sweep across country Joburg Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) says no major incidents were reported in the city following the intense cold front, which is sweeping across the country, including Johannesburg in Gauteng. South Africans will continue to experience wintry conditions, with a cold, wet, and windy start to the week in the country. This is due to a strong cut-off low sweeping across the country, accompanied by snow, as a high-pressure system rides in behind a cold front. However, conditions in Gauteng are relatively calm, with no snow, and the South African Weather Service (Saws) says it will be cool in places in the north, otherwise partly cloudy and cold, becoming cloudy with isolated showers and rain. ALSO READ: Winter wonderland: Snow expected in Gauteng next week Alert Joburg Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi urged residents to continue taking precautions during the cold spell. 'Residents are urged to continue to look after all heating devices, things like heaters, braziers, paraffin stoves not to leave them unattended while in use so that we can be able to prevent fire incidents which might occur during these extreme cold temperatures. 'From our side as the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services together with our disaster management monitoring teams and all our specialised teams are monitoring all seven regions of the city for any emergencies,' Mulaudzi said. The Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) says no major incident were reported in the city following the intense cold front which is sweeping across the country including Johannesburg in Gauteng. Robert Mulaudzi explains. #Johannesburg #ColdFront @TheCitizen_News — 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) June 9, 2025 Weather warnings The Weather Service has issued two orange and six yellow level warnings for several parts of the country, with warnings of very cold, wet and windy conditions, including snow for several parts of the country. Localised flooding, road closures and icy conditions are also expected in some areas. NOW READ: Eskom winter outlook: Here's how many days of load shedding to expect in SA
