By Molefi Sompane
SASOLBURG – Extreme cold weather conditions which gripped the country early this week provoked mixed reactions from different sections of the community depending on how it impacted on their economic activities.
While some long distance motorists cursed the snow-laden weather conditions, learners at Isaac Mohlamme Primary school in Sasolburg took time out to play in the snow which locals said they had not experienced in ages.
On Tuesday, August 7 the whole of Sasolburg was covered by a blanket of snow, causing residents to bring out their long forgotten cameras while others simply whipped out mobile phones and took pictures for posting on social media network sites.
Mpho Dhlamini said: “It is cold but I am happy to see the snow here. I can’t remember when I last saw these conditions.”
Moses Maluleke added: “It is nice to experience these conditions again but these are serious conditions and one needs to take care of his life and of their loved ones.”
While many people were rejoicing in the snow, that was not comfort for the less fortunate who worried about keeping their children and homes warm.
Granny Motswadiba from France Section lamented that winter was not over yet: “I am still shocked. This weather is so cold and I have used my last pennies to buy my grandchildren paraffin for the heater. I just pray for it to change.”
Most municipalities in the Free State issued warnings to residents to keep safe but were all quick to reassure people that they were ready to tackle any disasters that might occur because of the extreme weather.
Metsimaholo Local Municipality Communication Manager Gino Alberts said the municipality was aware of the extremely cold weather.
“We can see and hear from the weather bureau that things are not good but we trust that this will not impact badly on residents to demand our attention. If this happens, however, we are ready for the challenge,” Alberts said.
The General Manager of the Communications and Intergovernmental Relations at the Mangaung metro Qondile Khedama said the municipality had all systems in place should something go wrong.
“We wish to advise all residents to be extra cautious during the next following days of extreme weather conditions. the MMM Disaster Management team is on standby and on full alert of any disaster incidents that may occur as a result of these bad weather conditions,” Khedama said at the peak of the cold conditions on Tuesday, August 7.
The City urged residents to ensure that any heating appliances, open fires or any other energy sources used for heating should be placed in such a way that they not in close proximity of any combustible materials like bedding, curtains and furniture.
“Radiation of heat is often the cause of a fire starting and can be prevented if special attention is given where and how these heating sources are being utilised. It is also important that these appliances not be left unattended when in use. Leaving such items unattended could be hazardous to any household. Parents are also advised/cautioned to ensure that children are not left alone/unattended with fires and/or heating appliances,” he said.
The adverse conditions had improved on Thursday, August 9 with the South African Weather Service saying that “temperatures will rapidly improve towards the weekend where maximum temperatures of 20 degrees can be expected”.