Voters in northern and Midlands parts of KwaZulu-Natal have been advised to visit polling stations early, as severe thunderstorms are forecast to disrupt travel and access later on Wednesday. The provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has warned of severe weather conditions expected to affect parts of the province. A Level 4 weather warning was issued by the South African Weather Service, covering the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The weather warning, which took effect on Tuesday and runs until midnight on Wednesday, indicates that severe thunderstorms are likely to occur in the region. Residents are encouraged to visit voting stations early to avoid being caught in heavy rainfall later in the day. The Independent Electoral Commission has also urged voters in affected areas to make their way to voting stations before storms develop.
According to the South African Weather Service, light to moderate rain is expected in the morning and midday, but Level 2 and 3 storms are predicted in the Midlands and northern parts of the province. The IEC's Ntombifuthi Masango stated that voters in these areas should try to get to stations before these storms. Residents are also warned to exercise caution when travelling, particularly when crossing rivers or navigating roads affected by heavy rainfall.
Several municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal are likely to be affected by the severe weather, including Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma, Big Five Hlabisa, Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, eNdumeni, Inkosi Langalibalele, Jozini, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Mtubatuba, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ulundi, uMhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi and uPhongolo.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has coordinated with municipalities and emergency services, placing disaster management teams on high alert to assist residents during the elections. Municipalities have also been tasked with ensuring voting stations remain accessible, particularly in areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall.
The IEC and local authorities are taking steps to mitigate the impact of the severe weather on the voting process. Voters are advised to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and to follow instructions from local authorities. By casting their ballots early, voters can help ensure that the electoral process is not disrupted by the severe weather.
The severe thunderstorms are expected to pass by the evening, but residents are still advised to remain cautious and to follow all instructions from local authorities. The IEC and other stakeholders will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Voters who are unable to cast their ballots due to the severe weather will be assisted by local authorities.
Key points
- Voters in northern and Midlands parts of KwaZulu-Natal are urged to visit polling stations early due to severe thunderstorms forecast for election day.
- A Level 4 weather warning has been issued for the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, covering several municipalities.
- Disaster management teams have been placed on high alert to assist residents during the elections.
