Motorists urged to be cautious as snow falls across Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape Transport Department has also urged motorists to take precautions on the road. Picture: Screengrab of video.
The Eastern Cape Transport Department has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads.
The department shared videos with The Citizen showing snow-covered fields and hills. The road surface has a layer of snow on it.
Snow
Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the Wapadsberg Pass on the R61 between Nxuba (Cradock) and Graaff-Reinet is not yet closed.
'However, motorists are urged to use that road only if they really need to, and in doing that, proceed with caution. We are keeping a close eye on other mountain passes as well.
'We are keeping a close eye on other mountain passes as well. Meanwhile, the N6 road Komani (Queenstown) and Cathcart is closed due to a truck accident that spilled hazardous chemicals on the road. The road will be closed for a period of time,' Binqose said.
WATCH Snow in the Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape Transport Department has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads after snowfall in the province. Snow covered fields, roads and mountian passes in the Eastern Cape. Vids: Unathi Binqose #Snow #EasternCape @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/oz1EWfUzhc
June 9, 2025
ALSO READ: Snow, disruptive rain and severe thunderstorms to sweep across country
Joburg
Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) says no major incidents were reported in the city following the intense cold front, which is sweeping across the country, including Johannesburg in Gauteng.
South Africans will continue to experience wintry conditions, with a cold, wet, and windy start to the week in the country. This is due to a strong cut-off low sweeping across the country, accompanied by snow, as a high-pressure system rides in behind a cold front.
However, conditions in Gauteng are relatively calm, with no snow, and the South African Weather Service (Saws) says it will be cool in places in the north, otherwise partly cloudy and cold, becoming cloudy with isolated showers and rain.
ALSO READ: Winter wonderland: Snow expected in Gauteng next week
Alert
Joburg Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi urged residents to continue taking precautions during the cold spell.
'Residents are urged to continue to look after all heating devices, things like heaters, braziers, paraffin stoves not to leave them unattended while in use so that we can be able to prevent fire incidents which might occur during these extreme cold temperatures.
'From our side as the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services together with our disaster management monitoring teams and all our specialised teams are monitoring all seven regions of the city for any emergencies,' Mulaudzi said.
The Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) says no major incident were reported in the city following the intense cold front which is sweeping across the country including Johannesburg in Gauteng. Robert Mulaudzi explains. #Johannesburg #ColdFront @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/1GYP8nsFTc — 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) June 9, 2025
Weather warnings
The Weather Service has issued two orange and six yellow level warnings for several parts of the country, with warnings of very cold, wet and windy conditions, including snow for several parts of the country.
Localised flooding, road closures and icy conditions are also expected in some areas.
NOW READ: Eskom winter outlook: Here's how many days of load shedding to expect in SA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Home Affairs announces banking apps to offer ID, passport applications
The newly introduced initiative marks the beginning of the end for long queues. The Home Affairs department has partnered with Capitec and FNB to allow clients to apply for smart IDs and passports through their banking apps. Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber on Monday announced that they are the first banks to be selected to sign up for the department's new digital partnership model Collab The model will enable Smart ID and passport services through banking apps and facilitate applications at hundreds more bank branches across the country in both urban and rural areas. It forms part of Home Affairs' plan to expand its services to 1 000 bank branches by 2029 as mandated by Cabinet's Medium-Term Development Plan. 'This collaboration dates back more than a decade and has, until now, seen the successful delivery of Smart ID and Passport services at only 30 branches across five different banks,' the department said. End of long queues Using banking apps to access government services is not new. Several banks have already integrated services in their banking apps, allowing clients to collect their smart IDs from bank branches, including the integration of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) online booking platform for driver's licenses. The Citizen has tested the system, which is convenient and works seamlessly. ALSO READ: Best Android budgeting apps to prepare you for the new tax year The newly introduced initiative marks the beginning of the end for long travelling distances to reach Home Affairs services, for long queues, and for the Green ID book with its unacceptable vulnerability to fraud and identity theft. Improved services Home Affairs said the new and improved model will be used to facilitate applications through banks. 'That original model relied on the costly duplication of Home Affairs staff and hardware inside bank branches, and failed to take advantage of technology to dramatically expand services into all rural and urban areas where bank branches already exist, as well as onto secure banking apps that have come to be widely used across society.' This marks the first time that South Africans will be able to apply for IDs and passports through banking apps. Home delivery? The department said the reform marks a critical milestone in the journey to unlock the power of digital transformation to deliver Home Affairs @ home, a goal by Schreiber to receive documents without visiting a Home Affairs office. It is unclear whether the Home Affairs partnership with the banks will facilitate the home delivery of the documents. The Citizen has sought clarity from the department regarding delivery, and will update the article once comments have been received. Banks The department said its Director-General, Tommy Makhode, has written to the CEOs of ABSA, African Bank, Tyme Bank, Capitec Bank, Discovery Bank, First National Bank, Investec Bank, Nedbank, and Standard Bank, inviting them to join the initiative. Home Affairs said it will be hosting a press conference at the Capitec offices in Stellenbosch on Tuesday and at FNB's Cape Town office on Wednesday to provide more information on the new initiative. ALSO READ: Home affairs ID verification cost to increase by up to 6 500%
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
What unexpected weather changes should South Africans brace for this week?
South Africans can expect a week of shifting skies and icy breezes as a series of cold fronts sweep across the country. Monday starts with a chill, especially over the central and eastern parts, where cold to cool conditions will dominate. Coastal KwaZulu-Natal may see up to 30% chance of rain, with cloudy skies and brisk winds pushing inland. The Northern Cape and Free State enjoy more sunshine, but the clear skies do little to ease the morning bite. The Western Cape will be cool and mostly dry, with some cloud cover creeping in from the west and winds freshening along the coast.
The South African
4 days ago
- The South African
Kim Jayde shares how to experience Cannes on a budget
South African media personality and fashion enthusiast Kim Jayde has returned from the prestigious Cannes International Festival of Creativity. She has returned with some fresh insider's guide for South Africans keen to explore the allure of the French Riviera. Partnering with Air France, she shares her top tips to make your trip to Cannes unforgettable. Kim praises Air France as the perfect start to any French adventure. 'The moment you step onto an Air France flight, you experience French hospitality and culture,' she says. Every Business Class passenger is welcomed with a glass of champagne, and even economy passengers are treated to champagne served on board. 'It's a luxurious touch that sets the tone for the journey,' explains Kim. Onboard, she enjoyed classic French documentaries alongside fine red wine and steak, adding to the authentic experience. For accommodation, Kim recommends venturing just 15 minutes outside Cannes to the charming town of Antibes, according to Urban Lifestyle SA. 'It offers beautiful, more affordable options like two-bedroom Airbnbs,' she says. This option is perfect for travellers on a budget wanting to mingle with the C-suite elite visiting Cannes. Given that €1 roughly converts to about R 20, she notes that a train ticket from Antibes to Cannes costs approximately R 140. This is compared to Uber rides ranging between R 520 and R 980. 'Europe's trains are efficient, clean, and air-conditioned, making them a smart choice to navigate,' she advises. Food lovers should not miss the local boulangeries. 'Carry cash for the family-owned bakeries where fresh bread, cheese and cold meats are perfected by the French,' Kim says. She highlights Banana Blue, a quaint restaurant hidden from the main beach strip, famous for its fresh pizza and pasta. 'The French know how to enjoy life, no stress, no rush,' she adds. Beach days in Cannes are a must, with La Plage's Mediterranean waters warming to a pleasant 23°C in summer. Kim suggests visiting the beach around 4 pm when it's cooler, then enjoying sundowners and dinner at nearby cafés as the sun sets as late as 9 pm. When packing, Kim encourages lightweight, breathable fabrics. 'Leave your suits and jeans behind. Think cool linens, cotton shirts, flowy dresses and shorts,' she advises. On the language front, she stresses the importance of polite French greetings. 'Try to greet people in French, and they appreciate the effort,' she says, noting many locals will respond with a smile and helpfully switch to English or suggest Google Translate. Reflecting on her trip, Kim jokes, 'This was my first visit to France, and I fell in love with Cannes. From the food and energy to the safety and the lack of load-shedding or water cuts!' She has already marked her calendar for a 2026 return. Kim concludes, 'Cannes is a magical destination, definitely add it to your bucket list.' For bookings and more information, South Africans can visit the Air France website. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
