Severe weather warnings have prompted several event organisers across South Africa to postpone events scheduled to take place this weekend.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple severe weather warnings, including Orange Level 5 and Yellow Level 4 alerts, for strong and damaging winds, heavy rain and severe thunderstorms across parts of the country.
With adverse weather conditions and excessive winds expected in several areas, organisers have opted to prioritise the safety and comfort of audiences, performers, staff and vendors.
Events postponed due to severe weather
Vaal River boating season opening
The opening of the Vaal River boating season, which was scheduled for September 5, 2026, has been postponed to September 24, 2026.
“Due to high winds forecast for this Saturday, and with hundreds of boats expected on the water, safety comes first. So the Opening of the Vaal River’s Boating Season is moving to Heritage Day, Thursday, the 24th of September,” read a Facebook post on We Are South African.
Boksburg Night Market postponed
The Boksburg Night Market – Spring Edition, which was scheduled for September 4, 2026, has also been postponed due to the uncertain weather forecast.
“There is every possibility that tomorrow could still turn out to be a great day and evening, and we really hope it does. Unfortunately, with the current forecast showing a significant risk of rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, we have to put the safety and comfort of our vendors, entertainers, staff, and visitors first,” read the announcement on Facebook.
“With an outdoor event involving gazebos, electrical equipment, families, children and pets, we simply don’t feel it would be responsible to take the chance if severe weather does develop.”
Thando Zide reschedules album experience
Musician Thando Zide has also postponed the launch and live music experience for her album “Ku Ngawe”, which was scheduled for September 5, 2026.
“Due to severe weather conditions and thunderstorms expected on the day of the event, we have made the difficult decision to reschedule the Ku Ngawe: Full Album Experience. Your safety, comfort, and overall experience come first.
“This was not a decision made lightly, but we believe it’s the right one to ensure a comfortable and quality experience,” shared the artist.
The new date for the album experience is September 13, 2026.
NIROX Spring Jazz moved to September 13
NIROX Spring Jazz has also been rescheduled to September 13 due to forecasts of torrential rain this weekend.
“We must regrettably reschedule this year’s Spring Jazz Concert to Sunday 13 September to ensure the best possible experience for our audience, artists and sponsors. All purchased tickets for the original date remain valid for the new date,” organisers shared on Facebook.
Soweto Kota Festival postponed
The Soweto Kota Festival, which was scheduled to take place from September 5 to 6, has been moved to the following weekend, September 12 to 13.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience, but due to the weather conditions, the upcoming Event happening this Saturday and Sunday has been postponed to the weekend of 12 and 13 September.
“Your safety and overall experience are always our priority, and we believe this new date will allow us to give you the beautiful experience you deserve,” shared organisers.
SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms and flooding
The postponements come as parts of the country brace for potentially dangerous weather conditions.
The most serious conditions are expected over the east-central parts of the Northern Cape, where an Orange Level 5 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms.
Heavy downpours could result in flooding of settlements, roads and bridges, while strong winds, large hail, falling trees and excessive lightning may cause damage and disruption to municipal services. Rainfall coverage in the affected areas could reach 80%.
A Yellow Level 4 severe thunderstorm warning stretches across the central and eastern Northern Cape, western Free State, parts of North West and southern KwaZulu-Natal.
Safety remains a priority
With severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and damaging winds forecast in affected areas, more event organisers could be forced to reassess outdoor plans as the weekend approaches.
For those attending events that have not been postponed, organisers are likely to continue monitoring weather conditions and updating audiences where necessary, with safety remaining a key consideration.
IOL
