By Though there is no eminent heavy snowfall threat for the Free State Province, it will however be affected, experiencing cold weather conditions due to snowfall expected in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KZN from Sunday, 29 September 2024.
Light snowfall is expected over the mountain peaks, which may in turn affect nearby towns including Rouxville and Harrismith in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District. According to the South African Weather Services (SAWS) the inclement weather conditions are expected to persist until Tuesday, 1 October 2024.
“The Department of COGTA has convened and activated the Provincial Joint Operations Committee (ProvJoc) and District Joints in preparation for any eventualities as a result of the weather conditions. The collaboration of all relevant provincial departments and municipalities will ensure a coordinated and prompt response in case of any situation that may arise.
Departments of Social Development, Health, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs are ready with humanitarian aid, medical emergency services are ready and on standby, livestock safety and environmental protection measures are in place, and teams are on standby to provide the necessary support,” said Zimasa Mbewu, the Spokesperson for the Department of CoGTA and Human Settlement.
Mbewu said teams are on standby to maintain road safety in the snow-affected areas in Xhariep District. The Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport has despatched graders in Rouxville, Petrusburg, Fauresmith, Trompsburg, Harrismith and a TLB in Van Reenen to capacitate these areas in cases of emergency.
“Meanwhile, four traffic officers and one Public protector have also been deployed to jointly work with the Kwa-Zulu Natal Road Traffic (KZN RTI) team at the Snow Satellite at Van Reenen on the N3 highway. All preparations adhere to the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002) which mandates preparedness, prevention, and emergency response coordination across government departments,” concluded Zimasa Mbewu.
