SA Weather Service Hit by Cyberattack, Urges Public to Use Social Media for Updates

Posted on January 28, 2025
by Yashmika Dukaran


The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has urged the public to rely on social media platforms for weather updates following a security breach that crippled its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems.

The breach, which occurred on Sunday evening, led to the collapse of key digital platforms, including SAWS’s email system and official website, which serve as crucial hubs for weather information.

SAWS Senior Manager Oupa Sigalwe confirmed the incident, assuring the public that alternative channels for disseminating weather forecasts have been put in place.

"ICT service providers have been on-site since the attack, not only to investigate the breach but also to explore both interim and long-term solutions for restoring the affected systems," Sigalwe said.

He added that SAWS is in the process of reporting the incident to relevant authorities as part of its response to the cyberattack.