The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a Section 3(a) public entity under the Ministry of Water and Environmental Affairs and is governed by a Board of Directors. The company became a public entity on 15 July 2001 in terms of the South African Weather Service Act (No. 8 of 2001). It is an authoritative voice for weather and climate forecasting in South Africa and as a member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) it complies with international meteorological standards.

As an Aviation Meteorological Authority, SAWS is designated by the state to provide weather services to the aviation industry, marine and a range of other identified clients and to fulfil a range of international obligations of the government.