The South African Weather Service has issued a number of severe warnings for SA today following heavy rains reported across the country.  The massive downpours in KwaZulu Natal and the Northern Cape provinces are the worst causing flooding.  The South African Weather Services says the coast remains the biggest concern where flooding has already been reported. The South African National Defence Force has committed to assist those affected by flooding. In Kwazulu Natal, EThekwini's Mayor Zandile Gumede has cautioned all residents to avoid high-risk areas and to be careful on the roads following continuous heavy rains that have ravaged most parts of the City. Meanwhile, emergency services were faced with enormous pressure today, as they attended to flood-related life-threatening emergencies. They say the pressure has increased following some people’s insistence on driving and getting themselves into unsafe situations. As many as 32 people have been reported dead so far.  

Recent child protection statistics have revealed that between April and June 2018, there were 516 reported cases of neglect and 12 cases of abandonment in the Western Cape province. In total, 1614 cases were reported requesting for child protection during the Easter holidays. The Western Cape Provincial Department of Social Development, under the leadership of Minister Albert Fritz, is appealing for the safety and well-being of children, particularly over the Easter break.