The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, has urged residents and communities in affected parts of the country to exercise extreme caution and prioritise their safety forllowing the disruptive snowfall and cold front.
The current weather conditions are associated with a cut-off low, together with a ridging high-pressure system. This combination is bringing significant moisture and very cold temperatures to the affected areas.
In the Eastern Cape, disruptive snowfall has been reported in parts of Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, Chris Hani District Municipality, Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele Local Municipalities.
In KwaZulu-Natal, snowfall has affected areas including Kokstad, Underberg, Matatiele and Clifton near Nottingham Road. Members of the public are urged not to travel to these areas for snow chasing, as increased traffic and unnecessary movement may place additional pressure on emergency and road management services and expose motorists and pedestrians to hazardous conditions.
In the Free State, motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution due to snowfall, ice and drizzle affecting major routes. Motorists should anticipate slippery and hazardous road conditions, reduced visibility and rapidly changing weather conditions.
The following routes have been reported as affected:
R702 Dewetsdorp Road: Wet and icy surfaces have been reported.
N3 near Harrismith: Snowfall has started.
N6 between Reddersburg and Smithfield: Snowfall has been reported.
N1 between Springfontein and Trompsburg: Snowfall has been reported.
Although snowfall is expected to ease overnight on Monday, 10 August 2026, the impacts of the weather system are expected to persist into Tuesday and potentially Wednesday. Freezing temperatures and icy conditions may create dangerous conditions on roads, particularly in areas that have experienced significant snowfall.
Minister Hlabisa has called on residents in affected areas to take all necessary precautions and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly where roads are covered by snow or affected by ice.
“The safety of our communities must remain our foremost concern during this period of severe weather. We urge residents in affected areas to take the warnings seriously, avoid unnecessary travel and assist vulnerable members of their communities,” said Minister Hlabisa.
Members of the public are urged to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel, particularly through areas affected by heavy snowfall and icy conditions.
- Exercise extreme caution when driving and avoid roads that are closed, inaccessible or deemed unsafe.
- Follow official weather, road and emergency-service advisories and comply with instructions issued by authorities.
- Keep warm and remain indoors where possible, particularly during periods of extreme cold.
- Check on elderly persons, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of the community, especially those who may require assistance.
- Ensure that emergency supplies, medication, food and other essential items are available, particularly in households that may become temporarily isolated.
- Do not attempt to cross dangerous or snow-covered roads, streams or other hazardous areas.
- Report emergencies and hazards to the relevant authorities and avoid placing emergency responders at unnecessary risk.
- Avoid snow-chasing activities and unnecessary travel to snowfall-affected areas, as conditions may deteriorate rapidly and roads may become hazardous or impassable.
Heavy downpours are expected in Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga from 10 to 11 August. Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant.
The Department of CoGTA in collaboration with the South African Weather Service (SAWS), provincial and local government authorities and relevant disaster management structures, will continue to closely monitor developments and support coordinated response and relief efforts in affected areas.
For media enquiries:
Ms Pearl Maseko-Binqose
Media Liaison Officer/Spokesperson to the Minister of CoGTA
Mobile: 082 772 1709
Mr Legadima Leso
Head of Communications, CoGTA
Mobile: 066 479 9904
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