Latest news with #KZNCogta
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
KZN ready to tackle weather threats during Comrades Marathon
KZN Cogta is ready to respond to weather emergencies as thousands gather for the Comrades Marathon this weekend. The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has assured the public that the department is prepared to respond to any weather-related challenges this week. As KZN welcomes thousands of Comrades Marathon runners, the MEC said that public safety remains the department's top priority. Comrades Marathon weather warnings The South African Weather Service (Saws) has warned runners to expect predominantly mild to warm and windy conditions, with partly cloudy to cloudy skies. 'However, runners should be aware of a cool change in the weather later in the day when a coastal low and cold front are expected to move northwards up the KwaZulu-Natal coast, introducing colder, more moist conditions to the coast and adjacent interior,' Saws warned. There will also be a risk of showers or thunderstorms developing over the Drakensberg, spreading to the coast in the evening. ALSO READ: Comrades Marathon: Top five men's and women's contenders Amid weather warnings, KZN Cogta announced that it has mobilised disaster management teams to ensure a coordinated response. 'Our teams will be closely monitoring routes starting from today, especially as runners on Sunday and spectators begin their journeys from Sunday evening after the conclusion of the race,' Buthelezi said in a briefing on Friday. KZN's preparations The MEC outlined the province's preparations for the Comrades Marathon, including stockpiling relief supplies such as blankets, mattresses, and non-perishable foods. Buthelezi emphasised that provincial centres and public facilities stand ready to provide temporary shelter. He also urged road users to exercise caution due to the forecasted weather conditions. Municipalities will monitor road conditions and announce closures and traffic redirects if necessary. ALSO READ: Here's when snow could fall in your province 'Our social partners are also ready to deploy relief to strategically identified high-risk areas, especially along major travel routes,' the MEC said. Buthelezi explained that the focus extends beyond the immediate cold front to the broader winter season, with a well-developed and regularly updated winter contingency plan. Winter plan The province's plan includes conducting proactive risk assessments to identify areas most vulnerable to winter disasters such as floods, heavy snowfall, and extreme cold. The MEC affirmed the provincial government's commitment to ensuring the safety and resilience of communities throughout the winter season. 'We have immense confidence in our dedicated disaster management teams and our valued partners who work tirelessly to mitigate the impact of severe weather,' he said. NOW READ: Five tips for novices from Comrades Marathon legend Louis Massyn
The South African
19-05-2025
- Climate
- The South African
Cold front: Snow forecast in these parts of KwaZulu-Natal
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) says disaster management teams are monitoring an approaching cold front as snowfall has also been forecast. According to the weather service, two cold fronts will bring challenging weather conditions to large parts of the country, with cooler temperatures anticipated. High-lying areas of KwaZulu-Natal may experience snowfall on Wednesday, 21 May as a result. In response to the weather forecasts KZN Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has placed disaster management teams on high alert. KZN Cogta said these teams are in communication with weather authorities and will continue to monitor the developing weather system closely. 'The safety and well-being of our residents are our priority. Our disaster management teams are prepared to respond effectively should any weather-related incidents occur,' Buthelezi said. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and pay close attention to weather warnings and updates as they are issued by the relevant authorities. The weather service said two cold frontal systems are expected to develop early this week (19-23 May) with a high likelihood of disrupting the current rainless and incident-free mild to warm weather condition that has been prevailing for some days. To this end, SAWS said it is closely monitoring these systems with the view to issue out weather impacts associated with the cold fronts across parts of the Western Cape province on Monday, 19 May through to Wednesday, 21 May, when strong winds and rough sea conditions are expected to spread to the south coast and the Eastern Cape. 'On Monday, 19 May, a cold front will make landfall over the south-western parts of the country, resulting in wet, cold, and windy conditions over the western parts of the Western Cape. While this system will not be intense, it serves as a precursor to the more significant weather system that will follow the next day. 'On Tuesday, 20 May, the above-mentioned weather conditions will spread to the east, affecting the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape. This continued impact of the weather conditions will be due to a well-developed cold front, resulting in isolated to scattered showers and rain,' SAWS said. 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.
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KZN government tables R1. 9 billion budget aimed at revitalising local governance and driving economic growth
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, tabled the R1.9 billion Vote 11 Budget Policy Speech for the 2025/26 financial year. Image: KZN Cogta The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has unveiled a transformative R1.9 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, crucially focusing on strengthening local governance, supporting traditional leadership, and stimulating economic activity throughout KwaZulu-Natal. MEC Buthelezi underscored the provincial government's commitment to revitalising local governments, stating emphatically, "We are reviving the Back-to-Basics programme as central to local government within our province." This declaration serves as a pivotal reminder of the administration's aim to ensure effective service delivery and responsive governance at the municipal level. A notable feature of this budget is the allocation of R397.5 million to Programme 2: Local Government. This significant funding is set to empower municipalities across the province, equipping them with the necessary resources to enhance their operational capacity and effectively address the challenges faced by local entities, all while building on previous achievements. As part of a strategic approach to economic development, MEC Buthelezi also unveiled an ambitious initiative comprising 11 catalytic projects aimed at stimulating economic activity within each district and the metropolitan area. These projects, orchestrated by the Provincial Project Management Unit (PPMU), are designed to generate growth and development tailored to the unique characteristics of their respective regions. Among the key projects earmarked for implementation in the current fiscal year are: Ulundi Electrification Upgrade Project : An allocation of R56 million will fund the refurbishment of two electricity network switching stations, alongside the Babanango electrification project, directly benefiting 105 households. : An allocation of R56 million will fund the refurbishment of two electricity network switching stations, alongside the Babanango electrification project, directly benefiting 105 households. Nkandla Electrification Project : With R15 million earmarked, this project will provide electricity for the first time to communities within the Nkandla Local Municipality across Wards 4, 11, and 6, impacting 100 households. : With R15 million earmarked, this project will provide electricity for the first time to communities within the Nkandla Local Municipality across Wards 4, 11, and 6, impacting 100 households. AbaQulusi Electrification Projects : A total investment of R42 million will be directed towards two key projects: R26 million for the Mabhula project in Ward 4, benefiting 260 households, and R16 million for the Madanyini project in Ward 2, aiding 150 households. : A total investment of R42 million will be directed towards two key projects: R26 million for the Mabhula project in Ward 4, benefiting 260 households, and R16 million for the Madanyini project in Ward 2, aiding 150 households. Endumeni Infrastructure Upgrade: An investment of R3.7 million will facilitate the installation of two solar high mast lights and a borehole at Wasbank in Ward 7, significantly enhancing essential community services. In addition to these catalytic projects, the Department has earmarked R377.9 million for Programme 3: Development and Planning. This funding aims to foster sustainable growth by focusing on regional development and spatial integration, ultimately unlocking the potential of KwaZulu-Natal. The KZN COGTA's 2025/26 budget reflects a robust commitment to fortifying local governance, empowering communities, and spearheading sustainable economic development across the province. Through strategic investments in vital projects and programs, the department aspires to cultivate a more resilient and prosperous KwaZulu-Natal for all its citizens. IOL
