Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Interpellation 3
“In the light of the recent Level 8 Weather Warning affecting the Garden Route region: What immediate, coordinated measures has his Department implemented to ensure that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre is fully activated?”
In response to the severe weather events affecting the Western Cape, the Department of Local Government, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), implemented the following immediate and coordinated measures:
Early Warning Receipt and Escalation:
On 4 May 2026 the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued impact-based severe weather warnings, which included Orange Level 8 and 6 for a cutoff-off low pressure system affecting mostly the Southern Cape (Garden Route), western parts of the Overberg and parts of the Cape Winelands. This would cause severe and disruptive rainfall, damaging winds and waves indicating significant risks and expected impacts in the areas.
Immediate Activation:
Following technical consultations with SAWS, the PDMC was placed on an elevated level of activation to coordinate the provincial response.
Urgent Joint Operations Centre (JOC) Engagement:
An urgent Joint Operations Centre (JOC) briefing was convened by the PDMC on 4 May 2026, bringing together provincial sector departments and affected districts to ensure coordinated preparedness and response measures, with follow-up briefings on the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th as the situation unfolded.
Sector-Specific Risk Mitigation Measures: School Closures
On 5 May 2026, following consultations with SAWS and the Department of Education, a recommendation was made to the department to close schools in the Garden Route District as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of learners and staff.
Sustained Joint Operations and Intergovernmental Coordination:
The JOC remained active throughout the event, facilitating ongoing coordination, real-time information sharing, and decision-making across all spheres of government. Continuous engagement and feedback on ground conditions was maintained with municipal disaster management centres and key stakeholders to ensure an integrated and aligned response.
Situation Monitoring and Reporting:
The PDMC maintained continuous risk monitoring of dam levels and river flows through the Department of Water and Sanitation, weather developments, and on the ground impacts, through the dissemination of regular situation reports covering road closures, infrastructure impacts, and humanitarian needs.
Public Information and Early Warning Dissemination:
Early warnings and safety messaging were communicated to stakeholders and the public to enhance preparedness and reduce risk via the departmental communication channels and social media platforms.
Resource Mobilisation and Sectoral Response:
Sector departments, including Mobility, Health and Wellness, Social Development, and Eskom, were activated and coordinated through the JOC structures to ensure a comprehensive response.
Furthermore, the Acting Premier, Dr. Ivan Meyer and the acting Minister of Local Government, Ms Anroux Marais attended the George briefing on 08 May 2026, to take a briefing on the recent weather events in the Garden Route District. The Premier also requested that both the Mayors and the municipal managers of George, Knysna, and Bitou Municipalities be present at this briefing.
