The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has offered its heartfelt condolences to all individuals and families who have been affected by the recent snowfall and adverse weather conditions.
According to a Midlands EMS report, the cold exposure left one person dead.
Midlands EMS Howick crews, with Midlands EMS rescue medics, were called to a Merrivale shopping centre on Saturday for a person who had collapsed after being exposed to severe cold overnight while in a taxi stuck in traffic in the snow on the N3, travelling from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal. The taxi had stopped for refreshments when the incident occurred.
“Upon arrival, it was found that the individual had collapsed and was in a critical state of hypothermia, requiring urgent medical care. While en-route to the hospital, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated. Full resuscitation efforts were performed, but sadly the patient was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital,” said Midlands EMS in a media statement.
“We urge the public not to underestimate the dangers of cold weather and to ensure they stay warm and safe at all times. We take this time to mourn the life of a fellow citizen who succumbed to health complications such as hyperthermia exacerbated by these harsh conditions,” added Midlands EMS.
ATM said while they recognise the challenges posed by unpredictable weather, it was crucial to address the shortcomings in the government’s response to this emergency.
ATM national spokesperson Zama Ntshona said the SA Weather Service issued warnings, providing an opportunity for proactive measures and preparedness. However, the reality on the ground has been far from acceptable.
“It is deeply concerning that many individuals had to wait throughout the night with no food, water or blankets for emergency services that failed to arrive,” said Ntshona
Ntshona said the delayed response not only jeopardised lives but also highlighted significant flaws in the emergency management systems.
He said it is imperative that the government prioritises the safety and well-being of its citizens, ensuring that adequate resources and protocols are in place to respond swiftly to emergencies.
“We call upon the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough review of their response mechanisms and implement necessary improvements to prevent such failures in the future. The safety of our communities must never be compromised, and we urge the government to take decisive action to protect our citizens during times of crisis,” said Ntshona.
A number of South Africans who were still stuck on Van Reenen Pass shared videos of roads and trees completely covered in snow.
“We are still stuck on Van Reenen Pass, it is still snowing very badly, there are a lot of people stranded.
“We are unable to walk to the shop which is about a 3km walk from where we are currently. Vehicles are backed up, we have been here since 6pm on Friday; we are still waiting for assistance from anybody. So yeah … it’s quite difficult,” said one motorist.
According to some road users who were stuck, a number of farmers in the area used their bakkies, tractors and other resources to rescue motorists, and some were seen giving people hot beverages.
One TikTok user, named OneAndOnlyRori, said her and family members were stuck for 20 hours on the N3 to Durban.
“Guys, this is why u believe in a rainbow nation. Piet and his friends are trying to save us, he came with a track to save us,” she said.
She said some people managed to reach the garage on foot. She expressed concern that if people left cars on the road, they would cause traffic.
KZN government dispatched graders to remove the snow, a move which saw traffic slowly moving and motorists and trucks were freed.
In no time, OneAndOnlyRori and her crew were seen driving on the clear freeway.
Other motorists who were stuck had no choice but to relieve themselves in the icy bushes.
On Sunday morning, KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said their dedicated team from Road Traffic Inspectorate and Infrastructure Unit have been working flat out with the entire disaster management teams involving police, the SA National Defence Force, SA National Roads Agency, N3TC, Road Traffic Management Corporation, Agriculture and Rural Development, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs – nationally and provincially, including municipalities.
“We have deployed more graders to assist with the rescue operations. As of 9.20am, there is just no access for cars from Montrose towards Johannesburg. Ice boulders are everywhere,” said Duma.
A video shared showed slowed moving traffic from Harrismith towards Montrose. “We advise motorists not to attempt to use N3 to Durban. Around Shell Garage towards Montrose, that’s where people have been stuck for two nights. Trucks and cars are covered in snow.
“There are hundreds of trucks and some jack-knifed which makes it difficult for graders to remove the snow as rescue teams have to remove one truck at the time including cars. The team is, however, working hard and we see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“We are using the cutting-edge technology to monitor the road networks also Sanral camera control centres,” said Duma.
He said unfortunately in some areas the cellphone network was not available.
“We remain concerned that although thousands of motorists have been freed, others are still trapped,” he said.
On Saturday night, Duma said they received distressed post for urgent help from radio presenter Penny Ntuli and others.
“There are two buses with learners each. They remain our priority. We have assisted 67 learners from Qwabi Primary School who were travelling from Durban to Qwaqwa. They had been stuck.
“We wish to assure those who are stuck and many others and their loved ones, that the team has doubled their efforts to clear the snow. Our main focus is to enable the disaster management teams to urgently bring much needed relief,” Duma said.
Following the deployment of more graders, Duma said they wished to provide the following update to the media and the public at large:
- N11 - Ladysmith to Newcastle *open*
- N11 Amajuba Pass *open*
- R33 - Vryheid to Dundee *open* but water damping on the road at Cotswold
- R34 - Newcastle to Memel *closed higher up*
- R34 - Newcastle to Bloodriver/Vryheid *open*
- R33 - Vryheid to Paulpietersburg *open*
- R34 - Vryheid to Melmoth *open*
- R69 - Vryheid to Pongola *open*
- N2 - Richardsbay to Piet Retief *open*
In the meantime, motorists are requested to cancel any unnecessary travel.
“We extend our appreciation to the private sector and many other non-governmental organisations that are taking part in this important rescue operation,” Duma said.
The Star
ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za