Latest news with #Saws
The Citizen
6 days ago
- 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
TimesLIVE
7 days ago
- Climate
- TimesLIVE
Disruptive snow alert for parts of Eastern Cape as cold front marches on
The South African Weather Service (Saws) issued several warnings for disruptive rainfall, snow and waves for two provinces as humanitarian relief organisations on Thursday helped residents battered by a strong cold front in the Western Cape. At least 600 people were being assisted in Vygieskraal and Belgravia by organisations including the Mustadafin Foundation and Islamic Relief in Cape Town, said disaster risk management spokesperson Sonica Lategan. Heavy rain led to trees falling, road closures and heavy traffic congestion in the city on Wednesday. Safety and security MMC JP Smith said 15 vehicle accidents and three pedestrian accidents were attended to during the deluge. A tanker carrying nitric acid overturned on Wednesday night at Rooshoek in Wellington. 'The tanker remained intact and no nitric acid was spilt. All diesel has been contained. No injuries were reported,' said the Cape Winelands district municipality. 'Rain is hampering recovery efforts and the road will remain closed for the next few hours.' Smith urged motorists to increase following distances, reduce speed and be patient in inclement weather expected to persist over the province and bring snowfall to parts of the Eastern Cape on Thursday. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said part of the roof at the organisation's Wildlife Centre collapsed in the midst of the storm on Wednesday. 'Cape Town took a beating. Strong wind, icy temperatures and driving rain have wrecked havoc in the city — and we haven't been spared. Part of the roof in our Wildlife Centre collapsed in the midst of the storm,' it said. 'We're grateful that no animals or staff were harmed, but the damage is significant and comes at the worst possible time, when every cent we have is needed for animal rescues.' Saws issued a yellow level-2 warning for disruptive rainfall leading to localised flooding of susceptible formal and informal settlements or roads and low-lying areas over the Cederberg, City of Cape Town, Cape Winelands districts of in the Western Cape and the western parts of the Overberg district during the morning. Warnings were issued for: damaging waves along the coast between Plettenberg Bay and East London; damaging wind between Port Edward and Cape Vidal; and damaging wind between Cape Agulhas and East London. As the cold front moves across the country, Saws also issued a warning for the flood-ravaged Eastern Cape for 'disruptive snow resulting in traffic disruption due to icy roads and loss of vulnerable livestock and crops in Senqu and Elundini local municipalities on Thursday. 📷Protect yourself and loved one during the winter weather. Strong winds, Snow, Strong waves. Find below the contact persons for Disaster management in the province. #GCISFORYOU #Govzaupdates @GovernmentZA @g20org @SAWeatherServic — GCIS - Eastern Cape (@GCIS_ECape) June 25, 2025
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Climate
- IOL News
Icy temperatures and severe weather warnings for Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Free State
Residents of the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Free State should brace for icy temperatures and severe weather as an intense cold front approaches. The South African Weather Service warns of hazardous conditions, including heavy rainfall and gale-force winds. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Media Residents living in the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Free State will wake up to icy temperatures as an intense cold front is expected to make landfall from Wednesday. "The public and small stock farmers are advised that icy, wet and windy conditions with heavy rainfall, strong interior winds and gale force coastal winds, very rough to high seas and light snowfall on the high-ground can be expected," the South African Weather Service (Saws) said. Meanwhile, extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the eastern parts of Northern Cape, the western parts of both North West and Free State, the Beaufort West municipality of Western Cape as well as most places in the western parts of the Eastern Cape. Wednesday's weather alert Image: SAWS Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Weather warnings: Yellow Level 4 warning: Damaging waves resulting in damage to coastal infrastructure and disruption to beachfront activities is expected along the coast between Alexander Bay and Cape Agulhas from Wednesday evening, spreading to Plettenberg Bay by Thursday. Yellow Level 2 warning: Damaging coastal winds leading to difficulty in navigation at sea and localised disruption to small ports and coastal towns are expected between Lambert's Bay and Cape Agulhas on Wednesday, spreading to Plettenberg Bay by Thursday. Yellow level 2 warning: Damaging interior winds leading to localised problems for high-sided vehicles on prone routes and some transport services affected by wind are expected over the western and northern parts of the Western Cape, Northern Cape, as well as the western parts of the North West province and Free State. Yellow level 2 warning: Disruptive rainfall leading to localised flooding of susceptible formal and informal settlements or roads, and low-lying areas over Cederberg, City of Cape Town, Cape Winelands, and the western parts of the Overberg District (Western Cape). Most of the country will experience the icy weather from the cold front with snow predicted in some areas. Image: SAWS
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Hlabisa warns of cold front set to hit Western and Northern Cape
Minister Hlabisa has called on municipalities, disaster management centres to be on high alert and ready to assist. Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Velenkosini Hlabisa, on Monday called on South Africans to brace for extreme weather. This is especially important for those in the Western Cape and the Northern Cape. An intense cold front is expected to hit the regions from Wednesday, 25 June, through to Friday, 27 June 2025. The South African Weather Service (Saws) has forecast a combination of heavy rainfall, gale-force winds, and dangerous sea conditions. Additionally, snowfall is expected as the system makes landfall midweek. Hlabisa urged communities to remain vigilant, especially in low-lying and vulnerable areas. 'We call on all residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, to remain alert. They should follow official weather updates and take precautionary steps to protect their lives and property,' he said. Flood risk and traffic danger Saws has warned motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads against the following possible impacts: Heavy rainfall is anticipated over the western parts of the Western Cape, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas. This could lead to localised flooding on Wednesday into Thursday (25–26 June). Roads may become wet and slippery, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. The public, especially motorists, is urged to drive with caution, reduce speed, and avoid flooded roads. Strong, gusty winds over the interior may cause localised structural damage and uproot trees, posing risks to property and lives. Cold to icy conditions are expected, with possible snowfall over the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape. These conditions will extend into the south-western interior of the Northern Cape. ALSO READ: Chilly weather expected for most parts of South Africa Coastal danger and shipping disruption Maritime conditions are expected to deteriorate sharply. Gale-force winds and rough seas with wave heights of up to 7.5 metres are forecast along the Western and Northern Cape coastlines. This poses a risk to fishers, vessels, and port operations. 'Coastal residents, fishers, and beachgoers are strongly advised to stay away from the shoreline and adhere to maritime safety warnings,' said the department. ALSO READ: Weather alert: Cold front to batter Cape provinces from Wednesday Disaster response on standby Minister Hlabisa has called on municipalities, disaster management centres, and relevant stakeholders to be on high alert and ready to assist. 'We are deeply concerned about the possible impact of this approaching cold front,' he said. 'We urge all authorities to activate contingency plans and ensure quick response measures are in place.' NOW READ: Get out the warm coats – the big brrrr is set to hit Gauteng
The Citizen
22-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Shivambu appeals for volunteers
Here's your daily news update for Sunday, 22 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. News today includes Floyd Shivambu making a public appeal for progressive volunteers just a day after being snubbed from his party's parliamentary list. He suggested that the appetite for another political option in South Africa is strong. Then, the United States carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites but it raised two major questions: how effective were they, and what will Iran do next? Meanwhile, a record-breaking purchase has been sealed in Clifton, with a five-bedroom apartment sold for a whopping R145 million. Weather tomorrow: 23 June 2025 The South African Weather Service (Saws) said a cold front will continue to pass over the southern parts of the country on Monday. Get the full weather forecast here. Top 10 stories Shivambu makes public appeal for progressive volunteers Floyd Shivambu has made a public appeal for progressive volunteers just a day after his parliamentary list snub. Former MK party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu. Picture: Gallo Images / Fani Mahuntsi After being removed as uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party secretary-general, Shivambu was expected to be sent to serve in parliament, but was left off the list of names announced by the party on Saturday. Shivambu said on Thursday that he would not be leaving the MK party or forming a new political party, but instead would engage with community leaders on a possible way forward. In a video address posted on Sunday morning, he spoke of the positive response he had received. CONTINUE READING: Shivambu makes public appeal for progressive volunteers Did the US strikes succeed, and how will Iran respond? The United States' strikes on Sunday on Iranian nuclear sites raised two major questions: how effective were they, and what will Iran do next? This satellite picture taken on June 22, 2025, shows a close-up view of craters after US strikes on Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP), northeast of the city of Qom. Picture: Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies / AFP US President Donald Trump said the air raids 'totally obliterated' the main nuclear sites, calling them a 'spectacular military success'. So far, Tehran has given little away about its response, although Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the United States had 'crossed a very big red line'. CONTINUE READING: Did the US strikes succeed, and how will Iran respond? Record breaking Clifton apartment: Here is how much it sold for The lifestyles of the rich and the famous have no better setting than the opulent streets of Clifton. Image for illustrative purposes. Picture: iStock To rubber stamp the suburb's position as the premier location for wealthy property owners, a record-breaking purchase has been sealed. A five-bedroom apartment along Clifton's 1st Beach has reportedly just been purchased for a whopping R145 million. CONTINUE READING: Record breaking Clifton apartment: Here is how much it sold for — report SA engineers unlawfully jailed in Equatorial Guinea are 'safely back home' Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, the two South African engineers who spent more than two years in jail in Equatorial Guinea, have finally returned home. South African engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham returned home on Saturday night after being detained in Equatorial Guinea for more than two years. Picture: X/@RonaldLamola According to their families, the men were able to return to South Africa after receiving a pardon from Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Potgieter and Huxman had been detained since 9 February 2023 and were facing drug trafficking charges. They were arrested while working in the country for the company SBM Offshore. The families had maintained that these charges were fabricated. CONTINUE READING: SA engineers unlawfully jailed in Equatorial Guinea are 'safely back home' Higher education minster accused of covering up tender irregularities Fresh accusations of mismanagement have been made against Minister of Higher Education and Training Nobuhle Nkabane. Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane. Picture: Screenshot/ SABC YouTube The minister was this week accused of ignoring claims of corruption at the Construction Education and Training Authority (Ceta), despite documented evidence submitted by a whistleblower. This adds to Nkabane's shaky tenure a minister after she was accused of lying to parliament about Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) appointments. Nkabane is now being accused of covering for Ceta CEO Malusi Shezi, who a former employee believes is involved in tender rigging. CONTINUE READING: Higher education minster accused of covering up tender irregularities — report Five more stories of the day: Yesterday's news recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Shivambu not going to parliament | Wanted kidnapper killed during raid | Two soldiers stabbed to death
