The South African Weather Service has issued a nationwide alert as extreme weather conditions are expected to sweep across the country over the coming days.
A powerful cold front, accompanied by strong and potentially damaging winds, is forecast to make landfall on Saturday. Widespread snowfall is predicted in all provinces except Limpopo, with authorities warning of major travel disruptions, particularly on the roads.
Severe thunderstorms are also expected early next week, with KwaZulu-Natal and inland provinces such as Gauteng likely to be hardest hit on Monday.
The Weather Service has urged small stock farmers to take precautionary measures to protect their livestock against the biting cold and high winds.
Forecasters say the icy conditions are expected to persist until the middle of next week, and the public is advised to stay updated on warnings and travel advisories.