Widespread, heavy rains over the country's northeast fell over Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North-West Province, causing localised flooding in some areas.

Anglo American shut or partially closed three of its nine South African coal mines, the New Denmark, New Vall and Kriel mines, due to the rains which have been described as "excessive and continuous", Bloomberg reported.

South Africa-based mining group Exxaro has also been affected; however, it reported only minor disruptions at its Grootegeluk and North Block coal operations in Mpumalanga.

The disruptions have had a major impact on state-run power company Eskom, which generates about 90% of its power from coal. Yesterday, Eskom cut up to 3000 megawatts of power across the country, though further power cuts are not expected.