Western Cape Government Cabinet and Premier’s Coordinating Forum meet to ensure ongoing collaboration in dealing with impacts of severe weather
An extended Western Cape Government Cabinet and Premier’s Coordinating Forum (PCF) meeting was held last night to ensure continued coordination around the response to the adverse weather conditions that have impacted multiple parts of the province.
The PCF is an intergovernmental body that strengthens partnerships between the Western Cape Government and the province’s municipalities.
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) and all Joint Operating Centres (JOCs) remained activated around the clock.
Consecutive severe weather systems have lashed much of the Western Cape causing widespread disruptions and damage. Fallen trees, electricity outages and localised flooding have been reported in the Overberg, Cape Winelands, Garden Route, West Coast and the City of Cape Town metropole.
Warnings of heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough sea conditions remain in place. Members of the public are urged to follow updates from reliable sources. Residents can monitor all official Western Cape Government communication channels, including our website (see link below) for updates on, among other aspects, road closures: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/
Several roads in affected areas remain closed until further notice. This includes the N1 at Worcester, along with various passes along the escarpment, severely impacting access to and from Cape Town. The Western Cape Government strongly advises anyone using the N1 towards Cape Town to make use of alternative routes.
Road users are urged to avoid flooded roads and adhere to all road closure notices issued by authorities.
Cabinet and the PCF welcomed the classification of the severe weather as a disaster.
Cabinet and the PCF extended their heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the three people who have died as a result of the latest inclement weather. “Emergency and disaster teams work as hard as possible to avoid loss of life. The fact that three residents died is deeply tragic and an indication of just how severe these weather systems have been. I implore all our residents to exercise extreme caution,” stated acting Premier Dr Ivan Meyer.
Cabinet and the PCF noted the decision to close all schools in the province today, 12 May 2026, as precaution. The safety of learners, teachers and other school staff is a non-negotiable. The Western Cape Education Department is continuously monitoring and evaluating the situation to ensure that schools can reopen as soon as possible.
Numerous regions are experiencing power outages. Municipal teams in affected areas and Eskom, which is part of the provincial JOC, are attending to all incidents.
Cabinet and PCF condemned incidents of cable theft reported in some areas.
Cabinet thanked all role players for their hard work and commitment under incredibly difficult conditions. Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said, “The efforts and investment we have put in over the years building up our brilliant disaster management network continue to pay off. All your hard work is deeply appreciated.”