Category: News

Another intense cold front on the way

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of severe weather conditions expected to affect the western parts of the country from Sunday, 10 May until Tuesday, 12 May 2026.

According to SAWS, a strong cold front is expected to make landfall over the Western Cape on Sunday afternoon before moving eastwards along the southern parts of the country. The system follows closely after a prolonged period of adverse weather caused by a cut-off low weather system.

The weather system is expected to bring widespread disruptive rainfall, strong to gale-force winds, very rough seas, and significantly colder temperatures over the western interior and coastal regions.

Expected Weather Conditions
Disruptive rain is expected over the western parts of the Western Cape from Sunday evening into Tuesday. Current indications suggest a low likelihood of severe flooding, particularly over:
-City of Cape Town
-Cape Winelands
-Overberg

Rainfall accumulations between 100 and 200 millimetres are possible in some areas. This may lead to significant impacts on infrastructure, transport routes, and vulnerable communities.

Very cold and windy conditions are also expected across the western interior of South Africa, with wind speeds ranging between 50 and 70 km/h.

Strong to gale-force winds are expected along the west and south coast from Sunday afternoon, continuing until at least Tuesday night.

There is also a high risk of very rough and choppy sea conditions with destructive waves, posing dangers to navigation at sea and coastal activities.

Weather Warnings Issued

Orange Level 8 Warning
Disruptive rainfall leading to flooding of roads, bridges, formal and informal settlements, mudslides, and danger to life due to fast-flowing rivers is expected over mountainous regions of:
-Drakenstein
-Stellenbosch
-Western parts of Theewaterskloof
-Breede Valley
-Witzenberg local municipalities
The warning is valid from Sunday to Tuesday.

Orange Level 6 Warning – Rainfall
Flooding of roads, low-lying bridges, and settlements is expected over:
-West Coast
-Cape Winelands
-City of Cape Town
-Western parts of the Overberg District

Orange Level 6 Warning – Winds and Waves
Damaging winds and waves are expected along the coast between Lambert's Bay and Plettenberg Bay from Sunday to Tuesday.

Orange Level 5 Warning
Damaging interior winds could result in:
-Damage to formal and informal settlements
-Power interruptions
-Closure of routes due to falling trees
The warning applies to parts of the Cape Winelands and western parts of the Central Karoo District.

Yellow Level 4 Warning
Damaging winds and waves are expected along the coast between Alexander Bay and Lambert's Bay.

Yellow Level 2 Warning – Winds
Localised damage to informal settlements, falling trees, and problems for high-sided vehicles are expected over:
-West Coast
-City of Cape Town
-Overberg
-Central Karoo
-Kannaland Municipality
-Southern Namakwa District

Yellow Level 2 Warning – Snowfall
Disruptive snowfall is expected over the Karoo Hoogland Municipality in the Northern Cape and parts of the Cape Winelands District.
Possible impacts include:
-Loss of vulnerable livestock
-Icy roads
-Closure of mountain passes



Public Safety Advice
The public is urged to:
-Monitor official weather updates and warnings
-Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain and flooding
-Never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges, or rivers
-Secure loose outdoor objects
-Avoid coastal and sea activities during the warning period
-Provide adequate shelter for livestock and pets
-Prepare emergency kits with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, and warm clothing
-Community leaders and disaster management authorities have also been encouraged to remain on high alert and activate contingency plans where necessary.
-SAWS said warnings will be updated as the likelihood and severity of impacts become clearer. The public has also been advised not to share unverified weather information.

DA says it will uphold the rule of law as Phala Phala moves to impeachment process

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it will participate fully in the parliamentary impeachment process following a Constitutional Court judgment relating to the Phala Phala matter and Section 89 proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In a statement issued on Friday, DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis described the ruling as a “grave moment” for Parliament, the Presidency and South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

The Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament must amend its rules and allow the Section 89 report process to proceed to an impeachment committee.

The DA said it respects the Constitutional Court, the Constitution and the rule of law, adding that it would approach the process based on the facts and evidence presented before the committee.

The party said it would not prejudge the outcome of the process, but maintained that no individual should be placed above accountability, regardless of their office.

According to the DA, the impeachment committee must conduct its work fairly, rationally and constitutionally, while ensuring that the President has the opportunity to respond fully and that Parliament is able to establish the facts.

The party said the judgment would have implications beyond the current Presidency and could influence how future presidents are held accountable by Parliament.

The DA also used the statement to contrast its stance with that of the ANC, arguing that accountability has often been delayed or avoided when politically inconvenient.

The party reiterated its position that constitutionalism, accountability and the rule of law must prevail.

Nearly 300mm of Rain Recorded Across Garden Route in Four Days

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The Garden Route has been battered by exceptionally heavy rainfall over the past four days, with some areas recording close to 300 millimetres of rain between 4 and 7 May.

According to figures released by the Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre, the highest rainfall was recorded at Knysna Kleingrysbos with 286,8 millimetres, followed closely by Knysna Diepwalle at 285,6 millimetres.

Plettenberg Bay’s Newlands area recorded 276,8 millimetres, while Storms River Forest Fern measured 239,2 millimetres. Storms River Wittekip received 222,8 millimetres of rain.

Other high rainfall totals included Witfontein with 219,2 millimetres, George Tierkop with 190,8 millimetres, Mossel Bay’s Robinson Pass with 179,6 millimetres, and Wilderness Dieprivier with 166,2 millimetres. Plettenberg Bay itself recorded 159,4 millimetres.

The severe weather has caused widespread flooding, road closures and storm-related damage across parts of the Garden Route this week, with emergency services remaining on high alert.

Mop-up operations continue at Garden Route National Park following flooding

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The South African National Parks (SANParks) says teams and stakeholders are working tirelessly to restore access to the Garden Route National Park after persistent rainfall caused widespread damage to infrastructure.

In the Wilderness Section, several roads remain eroded and inaccessible, while mudslides and fallen trees continue to obstruct access routes. 

Water levels are subsiding but remain high in parts of Swartvlei. Recreational activities and hiking trails remain closed. Accommodation facilities have not been affected, and no cancellations have been reported.

The Knysna Section recorded extreme rainfall of 378 mm, resulting in significant infrastructure challenges. Roads, including Komsepad and Kranshoek, remain blocked by fallen trees and require extensive clearing operations.

The R339 is currently accessible only to 4x4 vehicles. Power outages and limited network coverage also persist. 

The Thesen Island Regional Office and Front Office remain open. One vessel was destabilised during the flooding but poses no environmental risk. Diepwalle campsite and trails remain closed.

“Teams are currently clearing large floating debris from the Knysna Estuary. Navigational channel markers have also been displaced in the estuary. As a precaution, skippers are advised to exercise caution when navigating the estuary,” SANParks said on Friday.

In the Tsitsikamma Section, conditions have improved as rainfall and strong winds have subsided. Water levels at the Groot River in Nature’s Valley have dropped, and debris-clearing operations at the bridge are underway.

The temporary restaurant structure at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp has been temporarily closed after being covered by foam caused by flooding conditions. All hiking trails and water-based activities remain suspended.

Nature’s Valley Camp in the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park remains closed while teams assess the extent of the damage and continue with mop-up operations.

“SANParks teams and stakeholders are working tirelessly to restore access, repair infrastructure damage, and ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and neighbouring communities across the Garden Route National Park.”

Computerised testing reduces corruption at licensing centres

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The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) says there has been a significant decline in fraudulent learner licence passes, following the introduction of computerised testing systems at licensing centres across South Africa.

The computerised learner licence testing system, introduced in 2021, was implemented to combat widespread fraud and corruption in the issuing of learner driver licences, improve efficiency and enhance road safety.

Before the rollout of the technology, officials at testing centres were reportedly able to identify question papers in advance and illegally provide learners with answers before the test, allowing unqualified applicants to pass.

According to the RTMC, the new system has closed that loophole by randomly selecting question papers electronically, preventing officials from knowing which test will be used beforehand. 

The system also automatically marks the tests and determines whether candidates have answered correctly.

The impact of the reforms has been reflected in the national pass rate for learner licence tests, which has dropped sharply from 68% to 40% since the implementation of the computerised system.

The RTMC said the lower pass rate indicates that fewer incompetent drivers are obtaining learner licences, a development the corporation believes will contribute to improved road safety and a reduction in road crashes.

Despite the progress, the RTMC warned that some corrupt officials are attempting to develop new methods to assist learners illegally.

“Some arrests have been made in this regard recently and the process of identifying beneficiaries is underway,” the corporation said.

The RTMC issued a warning to aspiring drivers against paying officials for assistance in passing learner licence tests.

Anyone found participating in fraudulent activities could face arrest, criminal charges and severe penalties if convicted, the corporation said.

Western Cape remains vigilant as more inclement weather is on the way

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The Western Cape government says it continues to implement a coordinated, multi-disciplinary response to mitigate the impact of the intense weather system that has swept across parts of the province, with the Garden Route and parts of the Central Karoo among the hardest-hit areas.

Acting Premier of the Western Cape, Dr Ivan Meyer, and acting provincial MEC of Local Government, Anroux Marais, on Thursday provided an update on measures implemented by government and disaster management stakeholders in response to the severe weather conditions.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had earlier issued a warning of an intense cut-off low bringing disruptive rain and strong winds to parts of the province.

“The Western Cape government, together with affected municipalities, disaster management teams, emergency services and humanitarian partners, continue to respond to severe weather impacts,” the provincial government said.

A Joint Operations Centre (JOC) has since been activated through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) to coordinate the response.

Tragically, one person has died as a result of the severe weather conditions.

“Our thoughts are with the family, loved ones and colleagues of Ms Lauren Fredericks, who was a social auxiliary worker at the Western Cape Department of Social Development.

“Our priority during disasters is always to protect lives. Ms Fredericks’ death is deeply unfortunate. Our most sincere condolences go to her family,” Meyer said. 

Numerous incidents of localised flooding have been reported, while several roads in affected areas remain closed until further notice.

Authorities have urged road users to avoid flooded roads and comply with all road closure notices.

While the weather system affecting the Garden Route has since been downgraded, authorities warned that the risk of flooding remains.

Emergency shelters, food provision and support services have been activated in several municipalities to assist displaced residents and vulnerable communities.

In Bitou Municipality, approximately 58 people are being sheltered at the Kranshoek Griqua Church, while a further 138 people are being accommodated at the Wittedrift Community Hall.

Additional displaced residents are also being housed at community halls in Qolweni, Kwanokuthula and New Horizon.

In Knysna Municipality, about 200 people are currently being accommodated at a local church, while some residents from Masifunde and Hornlee have been relocated to community halls as a precautionary measure.

In Oudtshoorn, 25 people are being accommodated at the Toekomsrus Community Hall, where food and blankets have been provided.

The provincial government said an additional 10 people remain cut off by floodwaters but are not believed to be in immediate danger.

“All 64 occupants at the Oudtshoorn Mountain Resort are safe. The resort supervisor and staff remain on site, and rescue operations will be undertaken at first light tomorrow should they become necessary,” the provincial government said. 

Meanwhile, in Prince Albert Municipality, 80 people displaced in Klaarstroom are being housed in a community hall, with hot meals provided by the Central Karoo District Municipality. 

In Beaufort West Municipality, a rescue operation successfully assisted two adults and two children trapped by rising water at Grootvlei Farm in the Loxton area.

The provincial government said it remains in close coordination with municipalities, disaster management centres, emergency services and community organisations to monitor conditions and respond where required.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas and roads, and follow official safety advisories and emergency instructions.

“I urge all residents to remain safe and not take unnecessary risks. All stakeholders – disaster management teams, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and faith-based groups – have been working incredibly hard under difficult conditions to keep residents out of harm’s way. I cannot thank you enough. We have all shown how we can come together to help one another,” Meyer said.
The acting provincial MEC of Local Government, Marais, also thanked all role players involved in the disaster response. 

“To every person and organisation involved in this response: your commitment, professionalism, and service are deeply appreciated. Thank you for standing together in support of our communities during this challenging period,” Marais said.

Meanwhile, the SA Weather Service predicts another coldfront will reach the Garden Route early next week, although it won't be as severe as this week's storm.

29 schools in the Eden and Central Karoo District will remain closed on Friday

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As a result of storm damage and blocked access roads, 29 schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District will remain closed on Friday, 8 May 2026. (See list below)

All other schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District will reopen on Friday, 8 May 2026.

The affected schools will communicate with parents about the continued closure. Learner Transport Service routes at other schools may also be affected, and these schools will communicate with parents accordingly.

"Our default position is always to keep schools open and only close schools in exceptional circumstances, but given the severity of the warnings and on the advice from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, we closed schools in George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn and surrounds for two days.

Schools will now implement catch up plans to ensure that teaching and learning returns to normal, and the schoolwork missed over the two days is covered. Our system is well-prepared for these events, and we will continue to monitor the weather conditions ahead.

Thank you to the officials, principals, teachers and parents for the smooth implementation of the closure on such a large scale.  And thank you to the first responders, emergency services and disaster management officials who have supported our department and our schools in these challenging circumstances.  Your support makes a real difference in ensuring that teaching and learning can return to normal in the Western Cape!".

ECK Schools that will remain closed

Circuit 1
Brakfontein EK PS
Goedgegun VGK PS 

Circuit 3
Diepkloof VGK PS
Karatara Laerskool
Klipdrift EK PS
Lancewood PS
Redlands PS 

Circuit 4
Wittedrif PS
Wittedrift Hoërskool 

Circuit 5 
De Jager VGK PS
Gamka-Oos PS
Grootkraal UCC PS
Kruisrivier-Wes UCC PS
Lategansvlei SSKV PS
Rooiberg SSKV PS
Volmoed PS
Voorbedag PS 

Circuit 6 
Avontuur LB PS
Britsevlakte NGK PS
Mooi Uitsig PS No. 2
Rooiheuwel VGK PS
Rooirivier VGK PS
Scheeperskraal SSKV PS
Vlakteplaas UCC PS 

Circuit 7 
Klaarstroom PS 

Circuit 8 
Dieprivier VGK PS
Geelhoutboom VGK PS
Hoogekraal SSKV PS
Kommandantsdrift SSKV PS

Calls for swift prosecution in George building case

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Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has called on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to take decisive prosecutorial action following the completion of the South African Police Service (SAPS) investigation into the George building collapse.

The appeal comes as the country marks the second anniversary of the tragedy, which claimed 34 lives and left 28 people injured.

On 6 May 2024, a five-storey apartment block under construction in George collapsed in what remains South Africa’s deadliest building disaster in recent years.

Macpherson said the incident continues to serve as a stark reminder of the work still required to prevent similar disasters from taking place in future.

“With SAPS having completed its investigation, the responsibility now rests with the National Prosecuting Authority to take the necessary prosecutorial decisions and, where warranted, bring those responsible to court for this avoidable tragedy,” the Minister said.

Since assuming office shortly after the collapse, the Minister has engaged with those affected and victims' families. He has also visited George to share findings from an investigation into the engineer who signed off on the building plans. The engineer was subsequently found guilty of five legal contraventions and suspended.

Macpherson has also met with Human Settlements Minister Thembisile Simelane to strengthen building regulations and oversight mechanisms aimed at preventing future incidents.

Reflecting on the anniversary, the Minister paid tribute to those affected and reiterated the need for accountability.

“Today, we remember every life lost, every family still grieving, and every survivor who continues to live with the consequences of this tragedy. The George building collapse remains one of the most painful construction disasters in our country’s recent history,” the Minister said.

He stressed that accountability must apply to all parties involved.

“It was a disaster that should never have happened and must never be allowed to happen again. No one should be above the law — not an engineer, not a developer, not an official, nor anyone whose actions or failure may have contributed to this disaster. Justice delayed only deepens the pain of families who have already waited too long for answers,” Macpherson said.

The Minister assured that his department will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies and relevant departments to support the pursuit of justice.

“On this second anniversary, we once again express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. We stand with the survivors, honour the rescue workers, and renew our commitment to ensuring accountability is enforced, and that a tragedy like the George building collapse never happens again,” he said.

Eskom working on Garden Route power outages amid storm

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Eskom says it is aware of a widespread unplanned power outage affecting customers across Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn and surrounding areas along the Garden Route.

Multiple outages have been caused by severe storm conditions currently impacting the region.

At this stage, Eskom technicians are unable to safely access and attend to faults due to hazardous weather conditions. Restoration work will only commence once it is safe for teams to do so. An estimated time of restoration is not yet available.

Eskom apologises for the inconvenience caused and appreciates customers’ patience and understanding while conditions stabilise and restoration efforts can safely begin.

Customers are strongly urged to treat all electrical installations as live at all time.

Tree Falls on Car in Knysna, Killing 37-Year-Old Woman Amid Severe Storm

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A 37-year-old social worker has died after a tree fell onto her car in Knysna’s main street on Wednesday morning.

According to police spokesperson Chris Spies, the woman’s body was removed from the vehicle at around 11:00.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, outside the Knysna police station, at approximately 07:50.

The incident comes as severe weather continues to batter the area.

More than 100mm of rain has been recorded over the past 24 hours, accompanied by gale-force winds. The storm has caused widespread damage, including fallen trees, power outages and flooding.

Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution as dangerous conditions persist.
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