The tourism and freight industries are counting heavy revenue losses amounting to millions of rand in the aftermath of the snowstorm that wreaked havoc in KwaZulu-Natal. | KZN Cogta
Durban — In the aftermath of the snowstorm that wreaked havoc in KwaZulu-Natal, including other provinces, the tourism and freight industries are counting heavy revenue losses amounting to millions of rand.
One fatality, that of Nozibele Nzonzo, 39, was reported and the hospitalisation of a handful of motorists who were stuck on snow-lashed roads, including the N3, connecting KZN with Gauteng and other strategic towns.
France Nhlapo, the provincial secretary of the National African Federation Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc), said the snowstorm left many businesses reeling.
“Emerging businesses in particular have suffered across sectors: supply and logistics, farming, transport, tourism and more. Estimates suggest that revenue losses in logistics alone can reach millions of rand per day,” said Nhlapo.
“Infrastructure was affected and one would hope for timeous restoration.”
Asked if the government was caught napping, Nhlapo did not hesitate to agree.
“Indeed the government was caught unaware. Perhaps we need to see the government investing more in disaster readiness programmes.
“The response to the challenges faced was a collaborative effort to be commended. NGOs, emergency services and other society structures really came to the party, considering the time and impact caused by the heavy snowfall.”
Nhlapo said it was time the South African government solicited guidance from some BRICS countries that have suffered similar incidents to assist in mitigating such tragic events.
Sifiso Shangase, the provincial secretary of the South African Taxi Council (Santaco) in KwaZulu-Natal, said the taxi industry was greatly affected.
“We have done a revenue loss analysis, but I can tell you now that the losses we suffered due to the snowstorm are huge. If you look at all the taxis stuck there for days and those who could not travel, you can see that our industry, along with others, was greatly affected,” said Shangase.
African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (Afasa) provincial secretary, Thubelihle Zondi, said the snowstorm crippled the operation of many farmers.
“Many farmers in the province were affected by the snowstorm. We are yet to officially conduct the assessment. But the situation is dire from where we are. This is a tragedy that will leave the economy limping,” he said.
However, he vowed that the association would aid the affected farmers to pick up the pieces “and soldier on again”.
MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa, also acting premier, said: “The department is still gathering information to determine the extent of the damage to the agricultural infrastructure and the loss of livestock.
“The Zululand District area emerged as the most affected in terms of livestock (cattle) killed in the snowstorm.”
The N3 and other affected roads were reopened from Sunday to Monday.
However, the government continued to warn motorists to be cautious on the roads.
MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, said the province expected possible flooding when the snow melts.
“With all routes now reopened, motorists are urged to drive safely.
“The department also alerts communities downstream of the Tugela River catchment areas to the potential flooding due to snow melting in the highlands,” said Buthelezi.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, praised all the workers who toiled tirelessly to rescue the motorists stuck in the snowstorm.
“I want to thank every one of you. You are our heroes and your names must be etched in the history of our province and country because of your dedication because you went beyond the call of duty,” said Duma.
Efficient Group economist Dawie Roodt said: “This was unexpected and it would cause great harm to the economy.
“But I am sure the economy will pick up after the snowstorm.”
Roodt said the N3 was a strategic route, adding that anything that affected its operations was bound to have a knock-on effect on the economy.
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