Johannesburg: The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has urged all South Africans to remain vigilant as heavy rains continue to fall in various parts of the country. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings of persistent heavy showers since the weekend, impacting the North West, Gauteng, the northern Free State, the highveld areas of Mpumalanga, and southwestern Limpopo.

According to South African Government News Agency, rainfall accumulations of 20 to 50mm are expected, with cooler daytime temperatures prevailing in these regions. ‘The continued rainfall poses a risk of localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, bridges, and roads,’ the department warned. Reports indicate that numerous residences and businesses in the southern area of Durban experienced flooding on Thursday due to intense rainfall, with the province already reporting fatalities.

This follows the South African Weather Service issuing of a level 5 orange warning for significant rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this week. In the North West province, heavy rainfall has led to the closure of schools, while flooding has occurred in various locations in Gauteng, including Soweto and Centurion.

Hlabisa has emphasised the necessity of exercising caution as disaster response teams remain on high alert, ready to offer emergency assistance as required. Meanwhile, according to the department, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating response efforts with provincial and local authorities to ensure a swift and effective response to any emergencies.

Community members are encouraged to quickly report any emergencies and to help those who might need extra support, such as the elderly and children, to stay safe. The department also urged everyone to keep an eye on news reports, radio updates, and official social media pages for the latest information and alerts.

‘While our dedicated teams are on high alert, the first line of defence is always preparedness. We urge South Africans to not take risks, avoid flooded roads, stay informed, and follow official warnings. The safety of all South Africans during this time remains a priority,’ said Hlabisa. Additionally, Minister Hlabisa encourages all communities to delay their trips to areas with heavy rains if those trips are not urgent and can be delayed for safety purposes. ‘Stay safe, stay informed, and remain vigilant,’ he added.