Storm Red Alert – South Africa is bracing for one of the most dangerous weather systems in recent years as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) places Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), and Eastern Cape under a Red Alert storm warning. The forecast warns of extreme thunderstorms, flooding, and damaging winds between May 20 and May 24, 2025, putting millions of lives, properties, and services at immediate risk. As a result, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) have jointly issued urgent safety advisories, urging residents in affected provinces to avoid non-essential travel and stay indoors during the alert period. This move aims to protect vulnerable communities, including grant beneficiaries, schoolchildren, and residents of informal settlements, who are at greater risk of harm from flooding, infrastructure collapse, or power failures.
What Does a Red Alert Mean and Why This Storm Is Dangerous
The Red Alert issued by SAWS is the highest level of storm warning, triggered only under extreme weather conditions that pose a direct and immediate threat to life and infrastructure. According to SAWS, the current system moving across southern Africa combines several high-pressure and low-pressure weather cells, leading to:
- Prolonged periods of torrential rainfall (100mm or more) in under 24 hours
- Winds exceeding 80 km/h, capable of uprooting trees and tearing off roofs
- Flash floods, landslides, and mudslides in both rural and urban zones
- Sudden road collapses, bridge damage, and complete road closures
- Power grid failures, mobile network disruptions, and interrupted water supply
In addition, lightning activity and hailstorms are expected in parts of the Eastern Cape and southern KZN. Coastal areas may also experience storm surges and wave damage, making beach access unsafe during this period.
SAWS Chief Meteorologist, Dr. Lindelwa Mkhize, stated, “We are facing a complex multi-province storm system with the potential to disrupt daily life on an unprecedented scale. The public must heed all warnings and advisories.”
Areas Affected by the Red Alert and the Storm Timeline
The warning spans multiple provinces with varying degrees of severity. However, the epicenter of the storm is expected to hover over Johannesburg, Durban, and East London, where residents are already seeing early signs of extreme weather. Below is the full forecast breakdown:
Storm Red Alert – Affected Regions and Timeline
| Province | Key Districts | Start Date | End Date | Severity Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg, Pretoria | May 20 | May 23 | Very High |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban, Pietermaritzburg | May 20 | May 24 | Severe |
| Eastern Cape | East London, Mthatha | May 21 | May 24 | High |
| Free State | Bloemfontein, Welkom | May 21 | May 22 | Moderate |
| Mpumalanga | Nelspruit, Secunda | May 20 | May 21 | High |
| North West | Rustenburg, Mahikeng | May 20 | May 22 | Moderate |
| Northern Cape | Upington, Kuruman | May 22 | May 23 | Low |
| Limpopo | Polokwane, Thohoyandou | May 21 | May 22 | Moderate |
Authorities have already begun to deploy sandbags, drainage clearing teams, and medical first responders in hotspot zones. Several provincial disaster teams are on high alert, ready to initiate evacuations if necessary.
SASSA Payments May Be Delayed – What Beneficiaries Need to Know
The storm has caused operational concerns for SASSA grant disbursements, especially for elderly, disability, and child support grant recipients. Some ATM locations and mobile payment points have already reported accessibility issues due to flood conditions and power outages.
Here’s what SASSA beneficiaries should note:
- Grant payment dates remain as scheduled, but expect delays in physical access to collection points.
- Mobile cash pay units are being rerouted to safer zones but may be limited in remote or high-flood-risk areas.
- Damaged SASSA cards or documentation can be replaced once offices reopen post-storm impact.
- New applicants may experience processing delays due to the temporary closure of some local branches.
Precautions Every Citizen Must Follow During Red Alert
With weather conditions rapidly worsening, every South African in the red alert zones must follow these essential safety protocols:
- Avoid unnecessary travel or attempting to cross flooded roads or bridges.
- Stay indoors and monitor radio or official alerts for live updates.
- Keep emergency supplies ready: dry food, water, medical kits, batteries.
- Ensure all mobile phones are fully charged and power banks are stocked.
- If living near rivers or low-lying areas, move to higher ground or community shelters.
- Children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities should not be left alone.
Stay tuned to https://www.weathersa.co.za and official SASSA platforms for region-specific updates.
Relief Shelters Activated in High-Risk Districts
Local governments and disaster management units have activated emergency shelters for displaced families or those whose homes may be submerged. These shelters are equipped with bedding, food, medical personnel, and basic communication services.
List of Emergency Shelters by Province
| Province | Shelter Name | Location | Contact Person | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Orlando Stadium Relief Centre | Soweto | Mr. Mokoena (COGTA) | 500+ |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Curries Fountain Stadium | Durban | Ms. Dlamini (Disaster) | 800+ |
| Eastern Cape | Cecilia Makiwane Lot Shelter | East London | Mr. Xhosa (COGTA) | 600+ |
| Mpumalanga | Mbombela Indoor Arena | Nelspruit | Ms. Tlou (Municipal) | 450+ |
| Free State | Motheo Hall | Bloemfontein | Mr. Mkhwanazi (COGTA) | 300+ |
Emergency Assistance & Reporting Tools
To report damage, access help, or receive updated information, use these verified resources:
- Dial 112 from any network for emergency help.
- Report incidents to your local ward councillor.
- WhatsApp SASSA Help Desk: 082 046 8553 for grant-related issues.
- Check your municipality’s website for “storm damage” reporting tools.
South Africans in Gauteng, KZN, and Eastern Cape face serious risk over the coming days due to widespread storms under the SAWS Red Alert. Residents are urged to take this warning seriously and follow all safety instructions issued by local and national authorities. While SASSA is working diligently to maintain payment services, the safety of citizens remains the top priority. For continuous updates, please refer to SAWS, COGTA, and SASSA official websites and helplines. Stay safe, protect your family, and do not underestimate the impact of this severe weather system.
Departmental Support Contact Information
| Department | Toll-Free Number | Email Address | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| SASSA | 0800 60 10 11 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8AM–4PM |
| SAWS | 012 367 6000 | [email protected] | 24/7 |
| COGTA | 012 334 0600 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8AM–5PM |
| Emergency | 112 (all networks) | – | National Disaster Line |
SASSA officials have also confirmed that disaster relief funds will be made available to affected families whose grants or documentation are lost due to storm damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does a SAWS Red Alert mean?
A1: It indicates severe, life-threatening weather is expected, requiring immediate public action.
Q2: Can SASSA payments be collected after the scheduled date due to floods?
A2: Yes, SASSA advises that missed collections can be made later with no penalty.
Q3: Will schools and clinics be operational during this alert?
A3: Provincial authorities will issue local updates. Many schools may close temporarily in storm zones.
Q4: How can I check if my location is high-risk?
A4: Visit the SAWS live weather map or contact your municipality’s disaster unit.
Q5: Is there any financial support for storm victims?
A5: Yes, temporary relief funds are available through SASSA upon verification of damage.