President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Thursday 12 June 2025, address the inaugural Africa Green Hydrogen Summit.
The two days Summit takes place in Cape Town from 12 to 13 June 2025, under the theme, “Unlocking Africa’s Green Hydrogen Potential for Sustainable Growth”.
This innovative Summit convene African energy ministers, policy makers, investors, developers, technology partners, and research institutions to shape the continent’s emerging green hydrogen sector.
It is envisaged that the Summit discussions will focus on market approaches, investment opportunities, technology deployment, and Africa’s position in the global green hydrogen value chain.
The Africa Green Hydrogen Summit 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment for the continent’s clean energy transition.
The Africa Green Hydrogen Summit address will take place as follows: Date: 12 June 2025 Venue: Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town Time: 10h00
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
SA creative sector generates revenue and job opportunities
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says the South African creative industry is a significant one that generates considerable revenue and provides employment to many.
“The industry plays a vital role in the economy by contributing towards knowledge attainment, nation-building and cultural preservation,” Morolong said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the book launch of Business by Grace, written by Zibusiso Mkhwanazi, Morolong said by publishing local literature and promoting cultural heritage, the sector contributes to the preservation and development of the South African culture of reading and writing.
The book by Mkhwanazi – a South African advertising guru and entrepreneur who rose from humble beginnings – is described as “not just a story of business success”. The Mkhwanazi Foundation says Business by Grace shows readers how to embrace lessons that come from building businesses in the face of hardship, and provides practical insights on turning vision into value.
Morolong said the creative industry, including publishing and print media, is an important source of revenue and employment in South Africa.
“The industry also acts as the central core of an entire network of related individuals and industries, such as paper manufacturers, educational institutions, ink producers, authors, printers, designers, book binders, illustrators, booksellers, distributors and CD manufacturers.
“The importance of the creative industry in this new environment is greatly increased… as it is a source of information and knowledge, and a vehicle for political, social and cultural expression.”
Morolong identified the sector as one that can and ought to help South Africans to overcome the many persistent challenges that confront society and the economy.
“Our expectations of this sector are onerous. However, the history we are making is centred on growing the sector in the same way we have grown other sectors of our economy through inclusion, empowerment and unleashing the energies and talents of South Africans.”
Morolong said a great deal has also been written to capture the defining features of post-apartheid South Africa, and the necessarily high cost of democratic transformation.
“Demographic conditions such as high unemployment rates, the youthfulness of the population, uneven access to basic services, such as water and electricity, form part of the challenges that continue to confront the current government.
“The process of change is by necessity also related to new policies that aim to facilitate comprehensive economic reforms, encapsulated in the many government policy frameworks and more recently in the National Development Plan Vision 2030.
“These reforms have in general, been focused in two directions. In the first place, reforms are aimed at addressing the immense disparities in wealth and status in South African society and provide improved access to opportunities for employment and benefits to those negatively affected by apartheid policies,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced a revised completion date for the raising of Tzaneen Dam Wall project, which was initially scheduled for March 2025.
In a statement on Wednesday, the department announced that the new target for the project completion is March 2026.
The Tzaneen Dam Wall Raising project, which is part of the Groot Letaba River Water Augmentation Project (GLeWaP), was resumed on 06 June 2023.
The project includes raising the dam wall by 3 metres, which will significantly increase the dam’s storage capacity to meet the growing water demands and improve water security in the Limpopo Province.
Once completed, the additional water supply is expected to benefit households, agricultural and industrial sectors the region.
According to the department, the project is currently 46% complete.
Anthony Bhasopo from the department’s Water Resource Infrastructure Development unit, expressed satisfaction with the progress and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to deliver the project within the revised timeframe.
While acknowledging some unforeseen incidents that hampered with progress to complete the project within the stipulated timeline, Bhasopo said the department has made strides since the beginning of the project in 2023.
“We have progressed well and achieved significant milestones of the project, and we are confident that the revised timeline will be met. This project will ensure that the objective to meet the projected growing primary water requirements for the next 20 years in the region, is finally realised,” Bhasopo said.
The construction project that has been carried out includes the demolition of the upper section of the existing ogee spillway, construction of a new labyrinth spillway to increase discharge capacity, strengthening of the earthfill embankments for improved dam stability, realignment of the permanent access road downstream of the dam, and additional supporting and safety-related works.
The components that have been completed, or are in progress are as follows: • Temporary fencing around the site. • Temporary access road from Deerpark and river diversion pipeline. • Realignment of the permanent access road, which is 20 % complete. • Embankment strengthening, which is 36% complete. • Tongue wall construction, which is 19 % complete. • Labyrinth spillway construction, which is 11% complete.
“The project enabled 241 people to be employed, which includes the main contractor and sub-contractors. Females count to 76, and the youth count to 108,” Bhasopo said.
Originally completed in 1977, the Tzaneen Dam features a mass concrete gravity spillway flanked by earthfill embankments. The existing ogee-type spillway, which is 91.44 metres long with a crest level of 723.90 metres above sea level (masl), will be replaced by a more efficient labyrinth spillway.
The non-overspill crest currently measures 1,063.5 metres at 730.60 masl, with protective interlocking concrete blocks on both the upstream and downstream embankment faces.
The dam’s current gross storage capacity is 157.3 million cubic metres (m3), and the project will increase the total storage capacity by 35.7 million m3. After the completion of the project, the new capacity will be 193 million m3. – SAnews.gov.za
The Western Cape Government (WCG) has condemned the recent Langa shootings that claimed the lives of two people and left another person injured.
Reports indicate that Monday’s fatalities are connected to the ongoing taxi violence, which is having a widespread impact across the Cape Town Metro area.
“The provincial government appeals to anyone with information to come forward and assist in ensuring those responsible are arrested,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Isaac Sileku, expressed has since deep concern about the incident. “More lives have been lost to criminality. We cannot allow this to continue. These killings are robbing families of loved ones and placing the entire mini-bus taxi industry, as well as the communities it serves, under threat,” he said.
He has since called on all the role players to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.
“We must never accept violence to resolve disputes. Protecting lives and ensuring safety across the public transport network remains central to our mission.”
The WCG has since stated that the response to this ongoing violence is coordinated across departments.
MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has also condemned the killings while also urging all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue.
“Violence is not the answer. We will not tolerate these acts of violence. I urge the SAPS [South African Police Service] to deal decisively with those responsible for this violence,” Marais said.
In addition, the MEC confirmed that SAPS investigations are ongoing and that law enforcement presence in affected areas has been intensified.
Additional police resources, including the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and Provincial Traffic, have also been deployed. The provincial government announced that high-density patrols are being conducted along key routes between Somerset West and Mfuleni to stabilise the situation and prevent any further violence.
In addition, an urgent Mini-Bus Task Team meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, 12 June 2025, to bring together key stakeholders to find solutions through dialogue and coordinated action.
The Department of Mobility, in close collaboration with safety and law enforcement agencies, said it remains focused on fostering peaceful resolutions and ensuring that public transport remains safe, reliable, and dignified for all who depend on it.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by these acts of violence. The Western Cape Government stands united in its efforts to restore peace and safeguard every commuter, operator, and transport worker in our province.” – SAnews.gov.za
Disaster Management Committee assesses impact of adverse weather
An urgent special meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM) to respond to the country’s adverse weather conditions was convened by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa.
“The meeting was appraised by all provincial and sector departments on the state of play on the ground as disaster relief efforts are underway, stemming from the current incident.
“The meeting noted that solid progress has been made in ensuring families who have lost their homes are housed in alternative accommodation,” the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said of Tuesday’s meeting.
The (ICDM) includes political leaders from all three levels of government and is responsible for ensuring a coordinated response across all sectors for the effective implementation of disaster management interventions.
This group involves representatives from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL).
The Ministry believes that the current weather conditions serve as a “stark” reminder that climate change is real and that more needs to be done to save lives and livelihoods.
In addition, technical experts were mobilised to ensure that urgent attention is paid to the damaged water infrastructure and that water tankers be directed where they are needed.
Meanwhile, other teams are being deployed in some areas to provide psycho-social services.
Social partners and various non-governmental organisations like the Gift of the Givers and Al-Imdaad Foundation are also helping. “The ICDM has commended them for their efforts to provide hot meals, blankets and other support measures,” said the Ministry.
Eastern Cape severe weather conditions
All provinces have faced severe incidents of extremely cold weather, with coastal provinces experiencing rough seas and rainfall. According to CoGTA, the Eastern Cape has been the hardest hit by the current severe weather incident.
“Sadly, a scholar transport minibus transporting children was unfortunately swept by water, leading to loss of life.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we extend our sincere condolences to them,” said Hlabisa.
According to the latest reports, the search for pupils who were swept away in floods near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape is set to resume after their minibus taxi was carried off a bridge.
Some media reports say three children survived the ordeal after they were found clinging to a tree.
The department said the rescue operations and search for the rest of the learners led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) around Mthatha are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier said the death toll in the OR Tambo District Municipality has risen to nine. The Office of the Premier reported that hundreds of people have been displaced and are currently accommodated in various community halls throughout the OR Tambo District Municipality.
In the Amathole District, over 200 people have been relocated from the Sikiti Informal Settlement to A.B. Bam Primary School. In addition, numerous people from the Eugene and Zithulele Informal Settlements have been housed at the Butterworth Town Hall. Power outages have been reported in some areas due to the torrential rains in both district municipalities.
Cleanup actions
The meeting acknowledged and praised the members of various cleanup teams, including those from the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) and several municipalities in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
These teams have successfully ensured that all major roads are reopened, allowing traffic to flow smoothly. Many of the roads had been impassable since the weekend due to heavy snowfall.
“While this is good news, members of the public are once again explicitly reminded to drive with extreme caution as roads are wet and, above all, are advised not to attempt to pass through streams or strong flowing rivers.”
CoGTA has announced that the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has indicated that the inclement weather would be coming to an end as the cut-off low-pressure system is moving out to sea. The weather is expected to improve from Wednesday, 11 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
Green Hydrogen: Powering SA’s energy and economic future
Green hydrogen is the fuel of the future and will have a major role to play in powering South Africa’s growth and employment prospects.
This according to Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who spoke to SAnews ahead of the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit (AGHS) in Cape Town.
The green hydrogen economy is a new frontier for clean energy as it emits low carbon emissions coupled with a global potential of at least $300 billion in global exports over the next three decades.
South Africa holds approximately 80% of the world’s platinum group metals (PGMs) and 40% of the world’s platinum and palladium reserves which are key components in the production of hydrogen – placing it in a potentially lucrative position.
“Green hydrogen is a big part of the South African growth story because it helps us to beneficiate our upstream endowments in the form of our PGMs. Mining has got the highest employment absorption capacity of any sector so it’s going to help us beneficiate and get more and more people into employment,” he said.
Furthermore, the burgeoning sector has a big role to play in South Africa’s transition from a carbon intensive country to one powered in the main, by renewable energy technologies.
“It’s going to help us transition what we call the ‘hard to abate sectors’ of the economy. Electricity is a large part of our emissions and that’s why we are working with Eskom to reduce the emission levels.
“The next contributor to emissions is transportation but it’s very difficult to retrofit some of the renewable energy solutions…on aviation and maritime. So, we needed another solution and green hydrogen provides that solution,” Ramokgopa said.
The Minister acknowledged that the sector remains “cost prohibitive” but assured that he expects those costs to reduce.
“We are confident that with the maturity of the technology, we are going to come in competitively and it’s going to help us transition.
“Of course, it’s also going to help us diversify energy sources. It’s going to help us to ensure that there’s a multiplicity of energy choices in relation to how we meet our power needs. Green hydrogen is a big part of the conversation,” he told SAnews.
Turning to the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit, Ramokgopa said African countries must align
“The summit…will help us to position the continent in relation to how we can align policy to ensure that the continent benefits as a whole. We are capable of producing 60% of global renewable energy…but the total investment is less than 1%.
“So it is important that we align; we coordinate our efforts, see ourselves as a grouping of countries on the continent that can benefit from the endowments we have,” Ramokgopa said.
Unlocking employment
The green hydrogen industry is expected to create thousands of permanent and temporary job opportunities in South Africa with a particular focus on youth employment.
Two young people already hard at work in the sector are PhD graduates Dr Mphoma Matseke and Dr Victor Mashindi who spoke exclusively to SAnews.
The two youngsters are currently employed at Isondo Precious Metals which is playing a pioneering role in Africa’s green hydrogen economy.
Matseke highlighted that as the country moves toward green energy solutions, young people need to be more informed about renewable energy and how it works.
“As a young person, if you go to primary schools and even high schools and you ask them about green energy, they don’t have an idea of what you’re talking about. So, I feel like this is a platform that we can use to put the message out there about green energy and its applications.
“It feels amazing to be working at the cutting edge of technology,” she said.
Mashindi echoed the sentiments of his counterpart – describing the acceleration towards renewable energy technology as a boon for youth in science.
“Working with cutting edge technology at the forefront of renewable energy technology is very exciting because often times you mainly do theoretical studies at university and then you go on and work in a bank or a municipality.
“So…this is exciting because you get to apply the knowledge to solve real life problems. Knowing that we will be contributing meaningfully towards the development of the economy and the science and technology behind that keeps us going.
“I encourage young people to study sciences such as chemistry because these are the sciences that are taking us forward. There will be more facilities like these and more jobs in this industry…the future is really bright,” Mashinidi said. – SAnews.gov.za
Parents arrested for alleged child pornography, sexual grooming of daughters
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 47-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man in Bloubergstrand, in the Western Cape, for the alleged sexual abuse of their two daughters, aged three and eight.
“The suspects face multiple charges, including the production of child sexual abuse material (commonly referred to as “child pornography”), rape, sexual assault and sexual grooming,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.
The victims were rescued during the police operation and have since been placed in a place of safety.
“The operation was carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising members of the national and Western Cape Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations Units, officials from the Department of Social Development supported by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI),” the police said.
The suspects were located at a residence identified through joint investigative efforts.
Several electronic devices were seized during the arrest on Tuesday.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has activated its disaster management teams in response to severe cold front and associated weather conditions that have struck the province since Monday, 9 June 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the provincial government confirmed that emergency response teams have been dispatched to various areas and are working around the clock to provide critical support to communities impacted by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall.
The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Alert Level 6, warning of disruptive snowfall in high-lying regions of the province, potential road closures, flooding, and possible power interruptions.
Several roads have been affected by the heavy rains, including the R61 from Umthatha to Ngcobo and N2 to Kokstad near Emakhaphetshwini outside Umthatha. Damages have also been reported in homes in the OR Tambo, Joe Gqabi, Sarah Baartman Districts and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
Rescue teams were dispatched to bolster rescue efforts just along the R61 outside Mthatha, where three children were stuck on a tree. The children have since been rescued.
The provincial government also confirmed that roads such as Wapadsberg Pass, along the R61 between Nxuba and Graaff-Reinet, have been blanketed in snow, prompting a warning to motorists to drive with extreme caution.
“The provincial government’s primary objective is to safeguard lives and infrastructure during this extreme weather event. Community members are advised to remain alert, monitor official updates, and strictly follow safety directives,” the provincial government said.
Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, has urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential traveling, as well as travelling through flood-prone and mountainous areas.
He also urged citizens to immediately report hazards, such as downed power lines and road accidents to the nearest authorities.
“Our disaster teams are on high alert and ready to respond wherever assistance is needed. We urge the public to stay cautious and prioritise safety above all else.
“Government is fully mobilised, coordinating closely with local municipalities and emergency services to manage the impact of the weather system and support those affected,” Mabuyane said. – SAnews.gov.za
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a National Convention on Friday, the 15th of August 2025, which will represent the diversity of the South African nation and set the agenda for the National Dialogue.
The National Dialogue is an initiative that has been in discussion by a number of leaders in the country and many other people for some time now.
“This National Convention will represent the diversity of the South African nation. The first National Convention will set the agenda for the National Dialogue.
“It will be a representative gathering, bringing together government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth and community voices, among others,” the President said on Tuesday.
The initiative has been gathering support and enthusiasm since it was proposed last year and has been endorsed by a wide range of formations across society.
Over the last few months, government has been engaged in discussions with various entities on the purpose and the form of the dialogue.
WATCH | Announcement of the National Dialogue
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“In the wake of these consultations, there is broad agreement that given the challenges our country is facing at the moment, we should convene the National Dialogue. The idea of holding a dialogue is not a new concept in our country. In many ways having dialogues is part of our DNA as a nation.
“At every important moment in the history of our country, we have come together as a nation to confront our challenges and forge a path into the future in dialogue with one another. Through dialogue we were able to deal with the challenges that the apartheid system caused in our country and achieved peace and overcame violence. We established a democracy and ended apartheid,” the President said.
Following the negotiations process, he explained that dialogue was used to start building a united nation where once there had only been conflict and division.
He said the country achieved all this because everyone came together in dialogue to discuss difficulties, concerns, hopes and inspiration as a people. The country has worked together for more than 30 years to realise the promise of a democratic Constitution.
Challenges
Additionally, progress has been made in expanding freedom, deepening democracy, and improving the lives of millions, while also recognising the persistent challenges that remain. Poverty, unemployment and inequality are “deep wounds” that prevent the nation and country from reaching its full potential.
“Millions of people are under-employed and unemployed. Many of those who work earn wages that cannot sustain them or their families. Crime, gender-based violence and corruption are prevalent across our society.
“We are therefore called upon at this moment to direct all our efforts to build a thriving, inclusive economy that creates jobs and opportunities. We are called upon to build safer communities and to create a better future for our children.
“We are also called upon to give all sectors of our society – men and women, young and old, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex] community, and urban and rural people – a voice to determine how we address the problems of today and build the South Africa we want for future generations. That is why we have agreed to convene an inclusive National Dialogue,” he said.
Shared vision
The dialogue will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of the country in order to reimagine the future.
“Through the National Dialogue, we seek a shared vision of what it means to be a South African and develop a new national ethos and common value system.
“It is an opportunity to forge a new social compact for the development of our country, a compact that will unite all South Africans, with clear responsibilities for different stakeholders, government, business, labour, civil society, men and women, communities and citizens,” the President said.
The dialogue is expected to accelerate progress towards Vision 2030 and help lay the groundwork for the next phase of the National Development Plan.
He emphasised that the dialogue is not a single event, but rather a phased, participatory process beginning with local consultations and sector-specific discussions and culminating in provincial and national engagements.
Through various political, social and other formations, in workplaces, places of worship, communities, villages and sites of learning, South Africans will in the months following the National Convention be encouraged to be in dialogue to define the nation’s path into the future.
“The views, concerns and proposals that will emerge from this conversation will be brought together at a second National Convention, that is planned to be held in the beginning of next year.
“This second National Convention will reinforce our shared values and adopt a common vision and programme of action for our country into the future,” he said.
The President said he expects that the National Convention will finalise a compact that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all South Africans.
Eminent Persons Group
To guide and champion the National Dialogue, the President has appointed an Eminent Persons Group.
He said these are leading figures in society, reflecting the country’s diversity with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building.
The members of the group are: • Dr Brigalia Bam, former Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson, • Mr Robbie Brozin, entrepreneur and business person, • Judge Edwin Cameron, former Constitutional Court judge, • Mr Manne Dipico, former Northern Cape Premier, • Dr Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana coach and football legend, • Ms Ela Gandhi, peace activist and stalwart, • Prof Nomboniso Gasa, researcher and rural activist, • Mr Bobby Godsell, business leader, • Dr John Kani, award-winning actor, • Mr Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain and world champion, • Ms Mia le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024, • His Grace Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, leader of the Zion Christian Church, • His Grace Bishop Engenas Lekganyane, leader of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church, • The Most Reverend Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, • Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, • Dr Barbara Masekela, poet, educator and stalwart, • Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko, former Member of Parliament, • Mr Roelf Meyer, former Minister and constitutional negotiator, • Ms Gcina Mhlope, storyteller, writer and actor, • Ms Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, student activist and former Member of Parliament, • Ms Kgothatso Montjane, Grand Slam tennis champion, • Prof Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu, former activist and educationist, • Mr Bheki Ntshalintshali, unionist and former COSATU General Secretary, • Hosi Phylia Nwamitwa, traditional leader, • Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, • Dr Gloria Serobe, business leader, • Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the Gift of the Givers, • Prof Derrick Swartz, academic, • Ms Lorato Trok, author and early literacy expert, • Mr Sibusiso Vilane, mountaineer and adventurer, • Mr Siyabulela Xuza, award-winning rocket scientist.
The President added that UBaba uShembe uNyazi LweZulu has also been invited to join the Eminent Persons Group, but, as he is travelling, has not yet been able to confirm his availability.
“I am grateful to each of these South African patriots who have made themselves available to act as the guarantors of an inclusive, constructive and credible process,” he said.
IMC
An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been established under the chairpersonship of Deputy President Paul Mashatile to coordinate government’s contribution to the National Dialogue.
The President said a Steering Committee will be established, comprised of representatives of various sectors of society, to set strategic priorities and coordinate implementation of the dialogue process.
The Secretariat, which is responsible for day-to-day management of National Dialogue activities, will be housed at NEDLAC, the National Economic Development and Labour Council.
“As a nation, we are embarking on a new path of partnership and united action. We are drawing on our traditions of dialogue and debate. We are determined to define a shared vision of a nation which belongs to all South Africans united in their diversity,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
Mop-up operations are underway in KwaZulu-Natal following severe snowfall, which caused disruptions to major routes and damaged infrastructure.
Giving an update on the snowfall response measures, following the closure of the N2 highway around Kokstad and Port Shepstone on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, commended the coordinated efforts of motor grader operators and the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), who worked around the clock to ensure the free traffic flow.
Duma said the department on Tuesday set a target to remove the snow that blanketed the N2 (R56) along the route from Port Shepstone, Kokstad and Eastern Cape.
“Importantly, I gave the team from the Pietermaritzburg Region a mandate to remove the snow before it could accumulate to above 30 cm. They have done exactly that and in record time. This is a historic achievement that inspires us to do more for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” Duma said.
Snowfall response measures
In anticipation of severe weather, the province activated its comprehensive snowfall response plan following alerts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
Measures included:
• The Road Safety and Traffic Inspectorate involved in the coordination of possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with N3 Toll Concession. The focus is on N2, Kokstad and Port Shepstone, N3 between Harrismith, Tugela Toll, R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, Ingeli and N3 Mooi-River, and others. • Drivers of motor graders sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove any snow before it accumulates to more than 30cm in depth on the road. More than 10 graders to be stationed on identified routes to ensure that the response is faster. • The provincial government interacted with the South African Weather Service to ensure that the response is based on authentic information.
Duma said t the province has applied lessons learned during last year’s snowfall that was triggered by the cut-off low-pressure system.
However, despite these efforts, he said several motorists, including trucks and luxury buses, became stuck along the N2 in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
“We continue to plead with members of the public to heed the warning from the SA Weather Service. If you are asked to delay your trips, please do so in order to save your life. Prevention is better than cure,” Duma said.
District municipalities road conditions
The Department of Transport also provided an update on the status of roads across various district municipalities: • eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy wind on the coastal area. • Ilembe District Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy wind on coastal area at this time. • uMgungundlovu District Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy Berg winds currently. • Umkhanyakude District Municipality: All roads are open. Experiencing windy conditions. The main concern is a fallen tree on the road at R22, Section 2, which was reported last night. Our standby team responded promptly and removed the tree. The rehabilitation contracts are proceeding smoothly with only day closures currently in place. • Zululand District Municipality: No issues have been reported, and the patrol teams are actively monitoring the route. • King Cetshwayo District Municipality: All seems to be in order for now. The patrol teams are inspecting the route. • N2 Ugu District Municipality: Rain with strong winds. Fallen trees are being attended by Routine Road Management (RRM). No major issues to report on the N2 towards Port Edward and N2 towards Harding. • Harry Gwala District Municipality: The N2 from Ingeli towards Kokstad triangle is closed due to the snow. N2 from Kokstad triangle (Kokstad Bridge project) towards Brooksnek is also closed due to snow. • Amajuba District Municipality: N11-3 and 4 is clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing. • Uthukela District Municipality: N11-1 and 2 are clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing. Snow on the Drakensberg but not effecting any roads. • Umzinyathi District Municipality: N11-3 clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing.
“There is rain and strong winds in Umzimkhulu and Ixopo. uMzimkhulu RTI and RRM closed the road on the N2 Stafford Post (Umzimkhulu area) because motorists are not heeding snow warnings and trying to go through despite the snow in Beesterkraal,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za
