Heavy snow leaves thousands in KZN, EC without power
Snowfall in certain parts of KwaZulu-Natal has resulted in around 19 000 Eskom customers being left without electricity but the supplier says it is working around the clock to bring power back to those affected.
Eighteen Eskom networks were affected in areas such as Nottingham Road, Underberg, Bergville and Kokstad.
The power utility as so far managed to restore electricity to around 14 000 of those affected.
KZN Eskom spokesperson, Joyce Zingoni says in most cases the loss of electricity was due to trees that had fallen.
Zingoni says some roads were closed which prevented staff from accessing some of the networks.
"We can't access all the areas at the moment due to the snow, but our teams are working around the clock to make sure that everyone gets their supply back as soon as possible. We understand that it's cold and they are without power, so we are trying our best - our teams are out there in this weather, this heavy rain.
Meanwhile, severe weather conditions have also affected KwaZulu-Natal's neighbouring province of the Eastern Cape.
In the north of the Eastern Cape, the electricity supply of as many as 57 000 customers has been disrupted.
A number of roads and mountain passes in the Eastern Cape interior have also been closed due to heavy snowfalls
Provincial Traffic Deputy Director Charles Bramwell says three of the busiest Mountain passes are closed.
They are the Loodsberg Pass between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg, the Wapadsberg Pass between Cradock and Graaff-Reinet and the Penhoek Pass between Queenstown and Jamestown.
"We are really urging motorists to please avoid these passes as we do get vehicles stuck in the snow. Graders have been busy on site trying to clear the ice off the road and the road is very, very slippery. So, motorists, please exercise extra caution.
The South African Weather Service says the wet and cold conditions are expected to continue until Wednesday.