Due to days of persistent rainfall and severe weather conditions in Gauteng, the popular Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Tshwane has been temporarily closed to the public. The City of Tshwane announced the closure on February 19, 2025, citing flooding caused by the heavy rains. Lindela Mashigo, the city’s spokesperson, explained that the reserve would remain closed until further notice due to the dangerous conditions on-site.
The flooding has made many of the roads within the reserve impassable, and several bridges have been submerged, creating significant risks for both vehicles and pedestrians. Mashigo emphasized that the city’s decision was made with public safety in mind, as the ongoing weather posed a danger of vehicular damage and drownings. The City of Tshwane apologized for any inconvenience caused by the closure and urged residents and visitors to stay updated on when the reserve would reopen.
Meanwhile, the City of Tshwane’s Emergency Services Department responded to another major weather-related incident on the same day. A tornado struck the area of Montana, north of Pretoria, on the evening of February 18, causing widespread damage. The Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) received reports of flooding and severe destruction to buildings, vehicles, and other property.
Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, spokesperson for the Emergency Services Department, reported that the damage was extensive, with uprooted trees and destroyed structures, including carports and buildings along Sefako Makgatho Drive. Firefighters were quickly dispatched to the scene from several fire stations, including Innesdale, Wonderboom, and Rosslyn, and brought swift water rescue units, rapid intervention teams, and other specialized equipment to assist in the recovery efforts. The tornado left a trail of destruction, with corrugated iron roofs torn off buildings and debris scattered across the area.
Both the Rietvlei Nature Reserve closure and the response to the tornado highlight the severe impact of the weather in the region and the ongoing efforts by the City of Tshwane’s emergency teams to manage the damage and protect residents.
