Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa cautions public about potential impact of severe weather alert level 9

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, issued a call for people to heed the level 9 weather warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

The Minister has urged the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to execute its legislative obligations by facilitating the promotion of an integrated and coordinated system of disaster management among national, provincial and local spheres of government, statutory functionaries and other roleplayers involved in disaster management.

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has been coordinating disaster response measures since the SAWS issued a level 9 severe warning for Gauteng, North-West and Mpumalanga.

South Africa's disaster management teams are on high alert following a Level 9 warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for severe weather conditions, including widespread flooding and heavy rainfall, particularly in the North-West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces.

1) Current readiness state:

• Disaster Management Centres are activated in North-West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces, whilst the other provinces remain to be on high alert alert.
• National departments, Provincial Disaster Management Centres, Municipal Disaster Management Centres, the South African National Defense Force, South African Police Service remain to be on high alert.
• Emergency services are prepared for potential flash floods, mudslides, power outages, etc.
• Upon receipt of the warning alert, the NDMC convened the National Joint Floods Coordinating Committee (NJFCC) on the 13/11/2025 to received situational reports and state of readiness for the 15th and 16th November 2025. On the 15/11/2025 an urgent Provincial Heads of Disaster Management Centres meeting was convened to receive the situational reports and activated contingency plans. The Next NJFCC meeting is on 16/11/2025 at 09h00.

  2) Key Safety Measures for the Community:

• Stay Informed: Monitor local news and SAWS updates for the latest weather forecasts.
• Evacuate if necessary: Follow instructions from authorities and evacuate to higher ground if in flood-prone areas.
• Secure property: Clear debris, secure loose items, and reinforce doors and windows.
• Stay Connected: Keep in touch with loved ones and neighbours, especially vulnerable individuals,
• Exercise caution and avoid crossing low-lying bridges or flooded roads, as such actions remain one of the leading causes of flood-related fatalities.

Minister indicated that these actions are simple yet powerful and can save lives and livelihoods and also prevent avoidable damage to property and infrastructure.

Minister emphasised that ours is to endeavour to save lives and Build Community Resilience.

Lives can not be replaced, as such every precaution we take; every plan we implement; and every act of preparedness must be guided by the principle of safeguarding human life above all else.

Through our joint efforts, across government, business, civil society, NGOs and communities, we can reduce the risk of disasters, strengthen our resilience, and ensure a safer South Africa for all.

Remember to prioritize your safety and follow official instructions. Stay safe!

Media enquiries:

Ms Pearl Maseko-Binqose
Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of CoGTA
Cell: +27 (82) 772 1709

Mr Legadima Leso
Head of Communication
Cell: 066 479 9904

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