On a vast rubbish-strewn field in a mining area east of Johannesburg, hundreds of destitute Africans who have fled their makeshift homes in nearby slums shiver in the morning cold. The land, covered in white tents donated by aid groups, resembles the all-too-familiar refugee camps seen across this violence-hit continent.
Cold and stormy weather that hit the Eastern Cape on the weekend has claimed three lives so far, police said on Monday. Two men apparently died from the cold near Mthatha on Sunday, while a woman was killed in a storm in the province's Ngcobo area. By Monday afternoon, snow that had been falling over the province overnight was beginning to clear up.
Snow is expected to fall on the high ground of the Eastern Cape this weekend, the South African Weather Service said on Friday. A cold, wet weekend is expected throughout most of the province. Heavy rains of 50mm plus in 24 hours are expected along the coastal belt and adjacent interior on Sunday.
Wintry weather conditions are expected to appear this weekend, the South African Weather Service said on Wednesday. "The first outbreak of cold weather this year will occur from Saturday, taking more effect on Sunday," said forecaster Puseletso Mofokeng. He said rain-free conditions were expected until Friday.
