Rare snowfall in South Africa strands travellers and delights sightseers: Video
South Africa experienced rare, heavy snowfall on Saturday, September 21, causing significant disruptions on the roads.
Many travellers were left stranded overnight as key highways, including the N3, which links Johannesburg to Durban, became blocked. Despite several detours, large portions of the highway were closed due to treacherous conditions, officials confirmed.
While the weather brought chaos to many, some took the opportunity to enjoy the unusual sight. In Warden, a town in the Free State province, excited individuals gathered to witness the rare snow event.
Justin Nadasem, a baker from Johannesburg, drove three hours with his family to see the snow, describing the experience as "phenomenal."
"We actually drove from Johannesburg to this spot to come and see the snow. So it was a three-hour drive but we are really excited. It’s been many, many years since we saw snow, and it’s phenomenal," Nadasem told AFP.
"This is actually supposed to be spring and going into summer, so this is pretty much the hot season. So snow at this time is actually a blessing," he added.
Helgaard Smith, a resident of Villiers, another nearby town, shared his delight in building a full-sized snowman. "I thought we were going to make a small little snowman because usually, if we do get a bit of snow, it’s just a little tad, but we have actually managed to build a proper one," he said.
Snowfall, while rare in South Africa, has been recorded before. On July 10, Johannesburg and other high-lying areas experienced significant snowfall due to a cold front. More regularly, the Drakensberg Mountains, forming the border between South Africa and Lesotho, see occasional snow during the winter months. Sutherland, in the Western Cape province, is also known for its snowy landscapes and is often referred to as the "coldest town in South Africa."
