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Over the weekend, the City of Tshwane received a Level 9 severe weather warning from the South African Weather Service, signalling a high probability of widespread flooding, infrastructure damage and danger to life. In preparation, the City immediately activated its full severe weather response measures. This included placing all emergency resources on high alert and activating the Disaster Operations Centre at Level 3 for continuous monitoring.

Throughout the day and night, our teams monitored bridges, rivers, stormwater hotspots and all known vulnerable areas across Tshwane. Divers, rescue boats and specialised flood-response teams were deployed, and Regional Heads were instructed to activate their regional flood-response plans. Ward councillors and local structures alerted high-risk communities in low-lying areas, riverbanks, wetlands and floodplains, encouraging early movement to higher ground as a precaution.

Although the warning signalled the potential for an extreme weather event, the impact on Tshwane was less severe than initially forecast. Even so, several incidents were recorded. Our emergency teams responded to flooding in parts of Mamelodi and Ekangala, including flooded yards in Temba, Skierlik and other vulnerable areas. A vehicle became stuck in the mud in Ekangala, and another incident occurred near Lavender and Paul Kruger, where a vehicle rolled into a river and a safe extraction was carried out.

During the peak of the rain, our call centres and emergency teams responded to 35 calls for fallen trees across Pretoria West, Rooiwal, Gezina, Waverley, Mamelodi, Wonderboom, Horingsnestkrans, Faerie Glen, Tiger Valley, Menlo Park, Orchards and surrounding suburbs. Low-lying bridges, such as Flower Street, were proactively closed as water levels rose, preventing risk to motorists. Quick and coordinated action across departments helped prevent injuries and limited further damage.

It must be noted that the Human Settlements Department postponed the relocation of beneficiaries from Mamelodi to Pienaarspoort due to the downpour. Furthermore, the City postponed the rearrangement and relocation at Ga Rankuwa Unit 23 and 25. 

We are, however, pleased that the Level 9 weather conditions did not affect the provision of rudimentary services to our communities.

While the worst outcomes were avoided, the rainy season has only just begun. The ground across Tshwane is already saturated from recent weather systems, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding in the coming days. Emergency Services will remain on high alert, and all departments will continue implementing the service level agreements in place with the Emergency Services Department. I urge residents to remain vigilant in the days ahead.

The City of Tshwane extends its sincere gratitude to residents for their cooperation, responsible behaviour and patience throughout the weekend. Your willingness to follow warnings and work with our teams helped avert major incidents. Please continue following official updates and safety advisories.

I also express my deep appreciation to the officials of our Emergency Services Department, The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) all City teams who worked tirelessly, under difficult conditions, to safeguard our communities and manage the situation effectively.

Issued by executive Mayor of Tshwane Dr Nasiphi Moya