🔥 Trending Siboniso Duma and the KZN Snow: What You Need to Know

On July 29, 2026, Siboniso Duma, the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Transport and Human Settlements, mobilized emergency teams and outlined response plans in anticipation of and during heavy snowfall and severe weather conditions across the province ¹⁴⁶. Snowfall was reported in areas such as Sani Pass border and Mount Fletcher, with rain also affecting Kokstad and Underberg, leading to misty conditions and reduced visibility ¹.

KZN's Preparedness and Response Actions

MEC Duma's proactive measures were a response to a cut-off low-pressure system forecasted to bring significant snowfall and potential flooding to KZN ⁴¹⁰. The province had previously experienced notable snowfall in 2024, with accumulations exceeding 30 cm, which informed the current snow response plan ⁵.

Emergency Team Mobilization

Transport and emergency teams were placed on high alert to minimize the impact of the severe weather ⁶. The KZN Department of Transport confirmed the deployment of these teams to respond with agility to the unfolding weather patterns ⁹.

Road Management and Safety

One of the key actions was the deployment of grader operators to clear snow, particularly before accumulations became extensive ¹¹⁰. The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) was tasked with coordinating potential road closures in snow-prone areas, including sections of the N3 (around Ladysmith, Pietermaritzburg), N11, Kokstad, Underberg, and Harding ⁹. Motorists were strongly urged to avoid roads in affected areas ⁷⁹.

Provision of Emergency Shelter

In anticipation of displaced communities, the Department of Transport prepared 170 rooms at Montclair Lodge to serve as emergency shelters ⁷. This measure aimed to provide safety and support for residents affected by the severe weather.

Coordination with Stakeholders

MEC Duma emphasized a coherent plan, stating that the road freight directorate would engage with stakeholders in the freight and logistics sector ⁷. This coordination was crucial to manage the movement of goods and ensure safety during the adverse conditions.

Specific Reports and Conditions

Reports from RTI confirmed snowfall along the Drakensberg area, with drizzling rain in other parts of KwaZulu-Natal ²³. Despite the challenging conditions, MEC Duma expressed satisfaction with the work of the teams from both the Department of Transport and Human Settlements ²³. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had issued weather alerts, which were later downgraded ⁵.