A cold front gripping much of South Africa is leaving some people struggling to keep warm in their homes. The freezing conditions follow snowfall in parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to exercise extreme caution and take all necessary precautions as the icy conditions persist.
In KwaZulu-Natal, disaster management teams remain on the ground monitoring the inclement weather conditions, particularly in snow-hit areas in the southern parts of the province and the Midlands.
The provincial Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department says it is too early to quantify the extent of the damage that the weather conditions have caused.
More rain has been forecast in parts of the province on Tuesday.
The department says roads are open for now but are wet and slippery. It has also urged residents to avoid travel where possible and remain indoors until the snow melts.
The Department’s Spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi says, “The cold front is expected to continue up until Thursday. We further advise our communities when they use fire to keep warm to also exercise extreme caution to make sure that no fire is left unattended, particularly in densely populated areas as informal settlements.”
Mngadi says, “This is to ensure that we avoid another incidents that can lead to fire disasters. There is also a strong wind that is currently being experienced along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal. This could also lead to fallen trees on the road and debris.”
SNOW, STRONG WINDS AND RAIN
Parts of the Free State are battling snow, strong winds and rain, with authorities urging residents to make safety their priority.
The Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department’s spokesperson Zimasa Mbewu says a warning is in place for up to 10 centimetres of snow along the border between Lesotho and the north-eastern parts of the province.
The Thabo Mofutsanyana District’s Disaster Management Centre and Maluti a Phofung Fire and Rescue Services are closely monitoring the situation from Harrismith.
Strong winds have also damaged homes and public structures in several districts, with some families being evacuated to safer areas.
SWARTBERG-MOUNTAINS
The snow-covered Swartberg Mountains near Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo are putting on a spectacular winter display on Tuesday morning.
Clear skies are offering motorists and residents distant views of the white peaks.
The Swartberg Pass is still closed following the recent snowfall and icy conditions on the road.
Although conditions have cleared, the authorities have urged motorists not to attempt to use the pass during its closure.
VIDEO | Heavy snowfalls impact parts of SA:
GAUTENG
Gauteng provincial government is urging residents to prepare for rainfall and cold temperatures across parts of the province. Temperatures could drop to as low as three to four degrees in some areas, with authorities warning that wet roads and cold conditions could pose risks to motorists, pedestrians and vulnerable communities.
The provincial government is also concerned about households using alternative methods to keep warm during the cold weather and is urging residents to put safety first.
