Minister Hlabisa Urges Caution Amid Heavy Rains Across South Africa
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has called on all South Africans to exercise extreme caution as heavy rains continue to affect multiple regions throughout the country.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings of ongoing heavy rainfall impacting areas such as North West, Gauteng, northern Free State, highveld regions of Mpumalanga, and southwestern Limpopo since the weekend. Rainfall totals between 20 and 50mm are expected, accompanied by cooler daytime temperatures.
“The persistent rain significantly raises the risk of localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas, on bridges, and along roadways,” the department cautioned.
Reports have already emerged of extensive flooding affecting homes and businesses in southern Durban on Thursday, with the province reporting fatalities due to severe weather conditions. This comes on the heels of SAWS issuing a level 5 orange warning for significant rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal earlier in the week.
In North West province, the severity of the rainfall has led to school closures, while Gauteng has experienced flooding in various locations, including Soweto and Centurion.
Minister Hlabisa stressed the importance of vigilance as disaster response teams remain on high alert, ready to provide immediate emergency assistance.
The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is closely monitoring the unfolding situation and coordinating with provincial and local authorities to ensure rapid and efficient responses to emergencies.
Community members are urged to report emergencies promptly and assist those needing additional support, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. The department also advises the public to stay informed through news broadcasts, radio updates, and official social media channels for the latest updates and safety instructions.
“While our dedicated teams remain prepared, individual preparedness is crucial. We strongly advise against taking risks, particularly avoiding flooded roads. Stay informed and adhere to official warnings. The safety of all citizens is our highest priority,” Minister Hlabisa emphasized.
Additionally, Minister Hlabisa encouraged communities to postpone non-urgent trips to areas affected by heavy rains for their safety.
“Stay safe, stay informed, and remain vigilant,” he concluded.