Cold snap brings safety and power concerns across Gauteng
The Gauteng provincial government has issued a formal warning to residents to prioritise safety as wet and freezing weather continues to sweep the province, with some areas expected to see temperatures fall to about 3–4°C. Provincial spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the mix of rain, low temperatures and slippery roads raises additional risks for motorists, pedestrians and vulnerable communities.
Officials are particularly worried that households under pressure from the cold may resort to hazardous measures to keep warm, including illegal electricity connections, braziers, paraffin stoves and open fires. The warning comes as Johannesburg reports heightened electricity demand linked to the drop in temperatures, placing extra strain on the city's power network.
“The provincial government is particularly concerned about the risks faced by households seeking alternative ways to keep warm during the cold weather,”
Mhlanga urged residents to avoid tampering with electrical infrastructure and warned that electricity theft and vandalism can lead to electrocution, serious injury and fatalities, while also undermining supply reliability to entire communities.
Authorities emphasised basic precautions when using heating or cooking devices: never leave heaters, paraffin appliances, braziers or candles unattended; keep such items away from curtains, bedding, clothing and other flammable materials; and ensure adequate ventilation where required to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Practical advice for residents
- Reduce speed and increase following distance when driving on wet or icy roads; use headlights in low-visibility conditions.
- Do not attempt illegal electricity connections or interfere with substations and overhead cabling.
- Keep children and pets away from exposed cables, substations and damaged equipment.
- Use approved and well-maintained heaters; never leave open flames unattended.
- Check neighbours, especially elderly or frail residents, and report unsafe situations to your municipal emergency services.
Community leaders and ward councillors are being urged to monitor informal settlements and areas with ageing electrical infrastructure, where the risk of fires, electrocution and service interruptions is higher during extreme weather. Mhlanga singled out those locations as particularly vulnerable in the current conditions.
Where the cold will bite hardest
| Area | Expected low | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Parts of Gauteng (general) | 3–4°C | Slip hazards, increased electricity demand |
Traffic authorities have warned drivers to beware of wet roads and potential localized flooding during heavy downpours. Pedestrians should wear visible clothing and use footpaths where available. Public transport users are reminded to allow extra travel time and to protect themselves from the cold while waiting at stops.
Hospitals and emergency services will likely see an uptick in patients suffering from cold-related conditions and accidental injuries stemming from unsafe heating practices. Residents should seek immediate medical attention if anyone shows signs of carbon monoxide poisoning—such as headaches, dizziness, nausea or loss of consciousness—or if a heater or open flame causes burns or smoke inhalation.
Municipalities across the province are being asked to keep a close watch on critical infrastructure and to restore any damaged power equipment quickly to prevent prolonged outages. The provincial government also reminded households that tampering with municipal or Eskom assets is a criminal offence and endangers lives.
For those who must use portable heaters, Mhlanga advised following manufacturer instructions, not overloading electrical sockets, and turning off devices before sleeping. He also encouraged neighbours to look out for one another and to report illegal connections and dangerous behaviour to local authorities.
As the cold spell continues, Gauteng residents are being asked to balance the immediate need for warmth with simple, proven safety measures. No effort to keep warm should put a life at risk, Mhlanga said, underscoring the message with a call for calm and caution across communities.
Residents requiring emergency assistance or wishing to report hazardous electrical activity should contact their municipality’s emergency numbers or the SAPS for immediate help.
