FURTHER CLASSIFICATION OF SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS AFFECTING FOUR PROVINCES

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa notes and welcomes a further classification of a national disaster issued by the Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Dr Elias Sithole, regarding the severe weather events that have continued to affect parts of the country.

This follows the initial national disaster classification announced on 10 May 2026, which covered widespread severe weather conditions experienced across several provinces, including the Western Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga. The weather conditions experienced from 4 May 2026 included heavy rainfall, flooding, thunderstorms, damaging winds and snowfall.

In a further development, the NDMC has now issued a further classification specifically affecting the Western Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape provinces following a different and more severe weather system that resulted in intensified impacts in these provinces.

It is important to note that this latest additional classification does not replace the earlier national disaster classification. Both classifications remain applicable and operational in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002).

The further classification confirms that the four provinces experienced a separate weather pattern which caused extensive damage to property, infrastructure, the environment and disrupted essential services, while also, unfortunately, resulting in the loss of lives.

The further classification enables government to intensify targeted interventions, strengthen coordination across all spheres of government and accelerate relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the above-mentioned provinces.

In terms of the classification, organs of state are required to strengthen contingency measures, implement multisectoral prevention and mitigation plans, and continue submitting progress reports to the NDMC to support coordinated disaster response initiatives.

Government remains committed to supporting affected communities and ensuring that all necessary resources and interventions are mobilised to respond to the disaster and assist in rebuilding affected areas.

The classification notice is available on the COGTA website:

https://www.cogta.gov.za/index.php/docs/classification-of-a-national-disaster-in- terms-of-section-23-of-the-disaster-management-act-act-no-57-of-2002-impact-of- severe-weather-in-the-country/

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For Media Enquiries:

Ms Pearl Maseko-Binqose Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of CoGTA

Tel: +27 (82) 772 1709

Mr Legadima Leso

Head of Communications, CoGTA

Tel: +27 (66) 479 9904

Issued by the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

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