In 2025, South Africa experienced a notable continuation of summer-like temperatures into While the autumn months of April and May in South Africa were characterized by a notable continuation of summer-like temperatures, winter conditions have struck in tragic fashion particularly in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
The adverse weather began on 7 June with a rare and intense cut-off low system impacting the country over a three day period delivering snow, heavy rainfall, and cold temperatures. The event caused widespread disruption to transportation infrastructure and led to power outages.
The Eastern Cape was severely hit by flooding, resulting in at least 49 deaths by 11 June. A school bus carrying children was swept away by floodwaters at Efata Bridge near the town of Mthatha with the victims including six high school students, a driver, and a conductor. Another four students remain missing while three were rescued after clinging to trees.
The infrastructure suffered extensively, with at least 58 schools and 20 hospitals experiencing significant damage, while many roads and bridges either collapsed or were submerged. Entire neighborhoods, particularly informal settlements, were inundated, leaving hundreds of families homeless.
Critical facilities, such as the Butterworth Water Treatment Works, were rendered inoperative, severely cutting water supply to large areas and forcing over 500 residents into temporary shelters. Additionally, power outages disrupted electricity for approximately 300,000 to 500,000 homes, as reported by Eskom and provincial officials, exacerbating the challenges faced by the affected communities.
The event highlighted systemic issues, including the lack of sufficient resources for disaster management, as noted by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane.
