South Africa is reeling from the devastating impact of a brutal winter storm that has claimed the lives of at least seven people while causing widespread destruction across several provinces. The powerful weather system brought heavy snow, torrential rain, and gale-force winds, leaving thousands stranded and key routes closed, including parts of the major N2 highway.
The Eastern Cape has been the worst affected by the extreme weather. Six bodies were recovered in Decoligny village in Mthatha, while another was found near the Bedlana River in Tsolo. The victims were swept away by flash floods triggered by relentless rainfall. Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s office confirmed the deaths, expressing deep regret over the loss of life and extending condolences to the affected families.
“The fatalities occurred amid intense cold and flooding conditions that have severely affected several communities in the province,” Mabuyane’s office stated. “Our disaster teams remain on high alert.”
The situation turned tragic on Tuesday when a school bus carrying learners to Jumba Senior Secondary School was engulfed by rising floodwaters while crossing a bridge near Mthatha. The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) confirmed that the 22-seater bus belonged to one of its members. Although at least three pupils were rescued, others were swept away, and search operations are ongoing.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene, with learners clinging to trees and desperately calling for help. Preliminary reports revealed that the driver had requested assistance earlier when the bus got stuck, but the vehicle was submerged before help could arrive.
In response, Eastern Cape Cogta MEC Zolile Williams has urged residents to cancel unnecessary travel, warning of further disruptions as disaster management teams battle the escalating crisis. Power outages have also compounded the region’s woes, with around 300,000 properties in towns such as Mthatha, Butterworth, and Qumbu left without electricity. Eskom teams are working to restore power but have appealed to residents for patience.
Communities like Butterworth, Mthatha, and Mqanduli are grappling with submerged homes, collapsed infrastructure, and displaced residents. In Gogozayo village, resident Nosipho Mzaidume’s house lost its roof, destroying most of her possessions. “I am praying it doesn’t get worse,” she said.
Adding to the devastation, a powerful cold front has swept through other parts of the country. In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), heavy snowfall forced the closure of key sections of the N2 between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg, as well as the R603. Violent winds, some exceeding 100km/h, uprooted trees, toppled power lines, and damaged homes.
South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 9 warning for disruptive rainfall in the Eastern Cape, cautioning about further flooding, travel disruptions, and threats to life. Meanwhile, Johannesburg has experienced plummeting temperatures, with power grids under immense strain as residents use heating appliances to battle the cold.
Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors, avoid flooded areas, and stay updated on emergency alerts. With extreme conditions expected to persist, communities are bracing for further hardships as South Africa faces one of its harshest winter storms in years.