Latest news with #EmergencyManagementServices
Time Out
4 days ago
- General
- Time Out
Johannesburg City Library fully reopens after five year closure
Great news for Joburg residents: the city library will be fully operational from Monday, August 11. The library took to social media to announce the reopening. "We look forward to welcoming you to the fully reopened library as of Monday, 11 August 2025," a statement on Johannesburg City Library's Facebook page read. The library closed in May 2021 because of COVID-19 restrictions and partially reopened this year in March. It underwent renovations because of water leaks and a non-compliance notice. 'Around February 2022, Emergency Management Services issued a non-compliance notice and an order to comply. The building wasn't fire-compliant; it did not have the necessary systems (fire detection, protection, evacuation and pressurised water system in case of a fire) in line with the City's by-laws, and the building was non-compliant with national building regulations," Nthatisi Modingoane, City of Johannesburg Deputy Director of Media Relations at City of Johannesburg said. The renovations are now completed; however, it will be closed on Wednesday, 06 August until Friday, 08 August for the final preparations of the reopening. "Please be advised that the Johannesburg City Library will be temporarily closed to the public from Wednesday, 06 August, to Friday, 08 August 2025. This closure is essential for the health and safety of our patrons and staff to allow the contractor to safely complete final preparations for the official reopening of the library's remaining sections." The library apologised for the inconvenience the temporary closure caused. In June, Joburg Libraries introduced a smart new system, the Symphony Library System. The new system makes it easier for users to search for books, check their loans, and reserve their favourites.
The South African
29-06-2025
- The South African
Two dead, child injured in Ekurhuleni shack fire
A tragic shack fire in the early hours of Sunday morning has claimed two lives in Nigel, Ekurhuleni, including that of a two-year-old child. The victims were burned beyond recognition and declared dead at the scene after their remains were discovered in the charred debris. The fire broke out before dawn, catching the family off guard while they were asleep. An eight-year-old child managed to escape the shack fire with minor burn injuries and was rushed to Pholosong Hospital for medical attention. Ekurhuleni Emergency Services responded to the call and found the shack on fire. Community members had already started attempting to extinguish the fire using buckets of water. Firefighters quickly controlled the fire and initiated a search and recovery operation. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, but early indications point to a heating device being the possible source. As temperatures continue to drop, officials have warned residents to be extra cautious when using heating and lighting appliances in informal settlements. 'Communities are reminded to use heating appliances with caution during this winter as many of these incidents can be avoided by making sure that all this heating and lighting devices are attended to when in use,' said Maswati Ndluli, spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni's Emergency Management Services. Incidents like this are a recurring concern during winter in Gauteng, where illegal electricity connections and unsafe heating methods frequently result in deadly fires. Emergency services have urged residents never to leave heaters, candles, or open flames unattended and to install smoke detectors where possible, even in informal structures. 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.
The South African
10-06-2025
- Climate
- The South African
Cold weather brings unexpected snow and fire tragedies
Cold weather has gripped South Africa, with high-altitude regions experiencing snowfall and icy winds due to plunging temperatures engulfing the province. Three people in Johannesburg perished in the fires due to unsafe heating, turning the bitter weather into a deadly situation. Johannesburg's Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson, Nana Radebe-Kgiba, told SABC NEWS that the deaths were connected to paraffin stoves and open-flame braziers. In just two months, Johannesburg has seen over 300 winter fire emergencies, and officials warn that the number could increase. The Weather Service has issued alerts for regions affected by the cold front. According to meteorologist Edward Engelbrecht, a low-pressure system is drawing sub-Antarctic air inland, making the colder weather worse. While urban areas, including Johannesburg, experience extreme frost and wind chill, mountainous regions are likely to experience snowfall. Several fires have broken out in Gauteng because of the cold weather. Most occurred in informal settlements where people use unsafe methods to heat their homes. Materials that catch fire easily and are unable to provide safe energy put communities at risk of death. At the same time, the cold front makes travelling dangerous all over South Africa. Officials are urging the nation to avoid nonessential travel and to put fire and road safety first. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
