Gauteng government warns residents to prioritise safety as cold snap brings icy rain and light snow

The Gauteng provincial government has issued an urgent safety alert as icy rain, falling temperatures and hazardous road conditions affect the province. Officials warned residents to avoid unsafe heating methods, illegal electricity connections and reckless travel during the cold snap.

What the forecast says

The province is forecast to be cloudy and cold, with scattered showers and thundershowers. The weather outlook includes light snowfall in the south in the evening, and temperatures are expected to fall to around 3–4°C in some parts of Gauteng.

Risks for households

A Gauteng government spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, said the combination of rain, cold conditions and wet roads could create added risks for motorists, pedestrians and vulnerable communities. He emphasised concerns about households seeking alternative ways to keep warm and warned against illegal electricity activity.

“The provincial government is particularly concerned about the risks faced by households seeking alternative ways to keep warm during the cold weather. Residents are strongly warned against illegal electricity connections, electricity theft and the vandalism of electrical infrastructure.”

Officials also urged extreme caution when using heating and cooking appliances. Mhlanga listed heaters, stoves, candles, paraffin appliances, braziers and open fires and said such devices “should never be left unattended, particularly while people are sleeping”. He added they must be kept away from curtains, bedding, clothing and other flammable materials and that homes should have adequate ventilation where applicable.

Advice for motorists and pedestrians

Mhlanga urged motorists to reduce speed in wet conditions, maintain a safe following distance, use headlights when visibility is poor and to avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges. Pedestrians were also warned to avoid walking through fast-flowing water and flooded areas.

Government response and public call

The Gauteng government said it is monitoring the situation through its disaster management and emergency response structures and is coordinating with municipalities and relevant stakeholders to respond to incidents.

“We call on residents to remain vigilant, monitor official weather and emergency alerts, check on elderly persons, children and other vulnerable members of their communities, and report dangerous conditions and emergencies to the relevant authorities. The message from the Gauteng provincial government is clear: during these adverse weather conditions, safety must come first. No effort to keep warm should put a life at risk,” he said.

Key safety takeaways

• Avoid illegal electricity connections, theft and vandalism of infrastructure.
• Do not leave heating or cooking devices unattended; keep them away from flammable materials and ensure ventilation where needed.
• Motorists should slow down, increase following distance and avoid flooded crossings.
• Check on elderly, children and other vulnerable community members and report emergencies to authorities.