Another national disaster for South Africa
Another National Disaster has been classified in South Africa following widespread floods and severe weather across the country.
Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Dr Elias Sithole, classified another national disaster this week.
This follows the initial national disaster classification announced on 10 May 2026, which came after adverse conditions in six provinces experienced from 4 May 2026.
This included the Western Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga.
The provinces were hit by heavy rainfall, flooding, thunderstorms, damaging winds and snowfall.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said a further classification has been announced due to a separate, more severe weather system.
The Western Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape were all hit by this more intense weather system, which resulted in intensified impacts in these provinces, Cogta said.
The department noted that the latest additional classification does not replace the earlier national disaster classification.
Both classifications remain applicable and operational under the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002).
Cogta said that the further classification confirms that the four provinces experienced a separate weather pattern, which caused extensive damage.
This included damage to property, infrastructure, and the environment, as well as disruptions to essential services. Lives were also lost due to the severe weather.
The further classification will also allow the government to intensify targeted interventions and strengthen coordination across all spheres of government.
It will also accelerate relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the four affected provinces.
The department added that in terms of the classification, organs of state are required to strengthen contingency measures and implement multisectoral prevention and mitigation plans.
They must also submit 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,” Cogta said.
The classification of a disaster is not the same as its declaration. The NDMC classifies disasters in accordance with recommendations from the relevant Provincial and Municipal officials.
If existing legislation and contingencies are inadequate to address the disaster, the Council, the Premier, or the Minister can declare a local, provincial, or national state of disaster.
The declaration would then allow the state to augment the existing legislation, contingency arrangements, and emergency procedures through directives and regulations.
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