The Western Cape Government has announced that the adverse weather conditions experienced in the province earlier this month have been classified as a provincial disaster.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the Western Cape Government Cabinet, along with Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, to discuss the impact of the recent severe weather and ongoing disaster response and recovery efforts.
Cabinet welcomed the classification of a provincial disaster following the severe weather between 10 and 14 May 2026. This decision forms part of the process led by the National Disaster Management Centre toward the formal declaration of a disaster.
This is essential to unlock additional funding to support the province’s emergency response and recovery plans.
Premier Winde stressed the need for urgency in ensuring that funding is made available as quickly as possible to support affected communities, restore damaged infrastructure, and strengthen resilience against future disasters.
“These kinds of disasters are becoming more frequent and more destructive. We need a new approach from national government that prioritises proactive budgeting and futureproofing of public infrastructure,” said Premier Winde.
It was noted that the provincial response has now shifted toward ongoing humanitarian relief, the repair of critical infrastructure, and the restoration of essential services.
Eskom representatives informed Cabinet that electricity supply has already been restored to 72% of the areas affected by the severe weather. Restoration teams continue to work to reconnect remaining communities in the Boland/Cape Winelands, Garden Route, Overberg/Overstrand and West Coast.
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