BLOEMFONTEIN, Free State — A devastating bout of Free State severe weather has ripped through the province, tearing roofs from homes and prompting MEC Saki Mokoena to issue urgent safety directives. As destructive winds, freezing rain, and heavy snow batter multiple districts, the provincial government is mobilizing disaster management teams to evacuate vulnerable residents and secure treacherous national highways.
The extreme weather system has left a trail of destruction across diverse regions, from the Xhariep District in the south to Kopjes in the north. Residential properties have been left entirely roofless, and uprooted trees have littered local roadways, creating hazardous transit conditions. In a particularly stark example of the wind’s fury, the Budigela Primary School in Bethlehem was completely stripped of its roof.
Emergency Evacuations and Structural Repairs
Holding the dual portfolios of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and Human Settlements, Mokoena explained that emergency interventions are already underway to protect displaced families.
“Where temporary accommodation is going to be provisioned, we do so,” Mokoena stated, noting that while heavy-duty canvas is being used to protect properties with minor damage, completely compromised structures require immediate evacuation. Heavy machinery is scheduled to deploy to begin restoring residential roofs, while the provincial government coordinates directly with the Department of Education to expedite repairs at the damaged Bethlehem school.
Upgraded Disaster Readiness and Fleet Deployment
Reflecting on past vulnerabilities, such as the severe flooding challenges previously experienced around Harrismith, Mokoena emphasized that the province is significantly better prepared this year. Local municipalities have successfully bolstered their “yellow metal” fleets to manage debris and potential road closures.
Furthermore, limited firefighting and emergency capacities have been specifically secured for the remote municipalities bordering the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal—areas notoriously exposed to harsh climatic shifts. Provincial disaster management is currently working in lockstep with local law enforcement, traffic officers, and health rescue services to ensure a rapid response to any localized emergencies.
The Threat of Black Ice on National Routes
Beyond structural damage, the volatile combination of rain, plummeting temperatures, and snow has created highly dangerous driving conditions. Mokoena issued a stark warning to motorists utilizing the province’s major, weather-exposed arteries, including the N1, N8, and N6 routes.
While road agencies are applying specialized treatments to prevent the formation of “black ice,” Mokoena cautioned that it is logistically impossible to treat every kilometer of the province’s vast road network. The MEC strongly discouraged all non-essential travel, particularly at night when temperatures drop and snow accumulation is at its peak.
“When there is rain under the cold weather and then snow begins to form, ice begins to form on the roads,” Mokoena explained. “Any vehicle carrying a life under these circumstances becomes a risk.” While government rescue services are on standby to assist stranded motorists, officials stress that prevention is vastly preferable to costly and dangerous emergency rescues.
A Warning to “Snow Chasers”
Addressing the seasonal influx of tourists and locals who actively seek out snowy conditions, Mokoena offered practical advice for those wishing to experience the winter wonderland safely. Rather than risking dangerous drives to “chase snow,” he urged the public to make safe, prior arrangements.
He recommended booking lodging in advance at established resorts along the KwaZulu-Natal border or in neighboring Lesotho, which boasts facilities with optimal winter conditions. By securing accommodation beforehand, visitors can safely experience the snow on foot and return to warm, secure environments without navigating icy mountain passes.
“It is not necessary to risk a life to experience snow,” Mokoena advised. “Do it under proper prior arrangements… so that the memory can be a good one of snow, not a memory where a loved one is lost because you were chasing snow.”
While the severe rain and snowfall are expected to recede within a day or two, freezing conditions are forecast to persist across the Free State through the end of the week. Authorities continue to plead with the public to prioritize the preservation of life and work collaboratively with the government until the weather system passes.
