Another National Disaster has been classified in South Africa following widespread floods and severe weather across the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Dr Elias Sithole, classified another national disaster this week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This included the Western Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The provinces were hit by heavy rainfall, flooding, thunderstorms, damaging winds and snowfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said a further classification has been announced due to a separate, more severe weather system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The department noted that the latest additional classification does not replace the earlier national disaster classification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both classifications remain applicable and operational under the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cogta said that the further classification confirms that the four provinces experienced a separate weather pattern, which caused extensive damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The further classification will also allow the government to intensify targeted interventions and strengthen coordination across all spheres of government. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will also accelerate relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the four affected provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They must also submit progress reports to the NDMC to support coordinated disaster response initiatives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The declaration would then allow the state to augment the existing legislation, contingency arrangements, and emergency procedures through directives and regulations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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