Severe weather swept across KwaZulu-Natal, causing significant disruption to daily life through widespread power outages and road closures. Such is the impact of the recent inclement weather, authorities have now mobilised resources to restore essential services and safeguard the public amidst these arduous conditions.
Regarding the power disruptions, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, MEC for KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), reported significant damage to public infrastructure, particularly electricity lines.
Snow and fierce winds severed power connections, leaving homes and businesses without electricity. “Our district teams are working with Eskom to ensure public safety and restore power promptly,” stated MEC Buthelezi.
Areas currently affected include:
- Ingagane
- Ladysmith
- Bergville
- Paulpietersburg
- Kokstad
- Empangeni
- Melmoth
- Inkosi Mtubatuba
- Ulundi
- Hluhluwe
- Jozini
- Nongoma
- Eshowe
- Ixopo
- Cedarville
- Franklin
- Umzimkhulu
- Bulwer
- Lamington
- Harding
- Ingeli
- Paddock
- Edendale
- Riverdale.
“We are pleased with Eskom’s efforts. Restoration work is underway, and Eskom has deployed technical teams to accessible areas. However, road closures due to snow and fallen trees are causing delays in power restoration. Many roads remain inaccessible due to flooding and snowfall, making it difficult for teams to reach affected communities. Technicians from both Eskom and municipalities are on standby and will attend to these areas as soon as it is safe to do so,” emphasised MEC Buthelezi, while appealing for patience from affected communities.
Moreover, he underscored, “We understand the frustration and inconvenience. We urge residents to stay away from fallen cables, damaged poles, or any exposed wiring, and to report such hazards immediately to local authorities or via Eskom’s reporting channels.”
Concerning road closures, KZN CoGTA indicated that significant snowfall, notably in the province’s southern regions, rendered numerous routes impassable, resulting in perilous driving conditions. The Department of Transport dispatched teams to clear snow where feasible.
The following roads are currently closed:
● N2 Ingeli
● R617 Kingscote
● R56 Droevig
● N2 Nolangeni
Furthermore, the KZN Department of Transport, working in concert with the Road Traffic Inspectorate, cleared snow to mitigate further disruptions. The R56 and N2 routes connecting Port Shepstone and Kokstad are accessible.
MEC Buthelezi also issued a cautionary appeal to prospective travellers. “We urge those who are travelling to chase snowfall to exercise extreme caution. Driving in strong wind and snowy conditions is dangerous. Residents should only drive if absolutely necessary. Our teams are currently on the ground, providing the necessary support to all affected individuals.”
Adding to this, MEC Buthelezi issued a warning concerning the extended period of cold weather. “While we keep warm, let us also remain vigilant. Communities in informal settlements are particularly at risk of fires as many residents resort to using izimbawula, open fires, or heaters. These can increase the risk of fire disasters. We plead with residents to exercise caution to protect lives and infrastructure. We also urge municipalities and councillors to reach out to affected families to ensure they receive necessary assistance from disaster teams,” he concluded.
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