South Africa is facing adverse weather conditions caused by heavy snowfall and rain, leading to traffic disruptions in several provinces. Drivers are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution.
The KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces have been most severely affected, with numerous major roads closed due to snowfall. However, snow was also reported in parts of the Western Cape, while wet snow and other unfavorable conditions were observed in Free State, Mpumalanga, and other regions.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation issued an urgent appeal to drivers to maintain maximum caution under the current conditions. In a statement published on Monday afternoon, the organization reported on the roads affected by bad weather.
Situation in KwaZulu-Natal
In KwaZulu-Natal, the N3 road is closed between Estcourt and Harrismith in Free State. Drivers are advised not to use the N3 for travel to KZN. Additionally, the road is closed in the Midmar/Howick area.
Additional hazards include the Van Reenen Pass, which is extremely dangerous due to black ice, and travel on it is not recommended. The R617 road is closed between Kokstad and Onderberg after a truck got stuck in King'scote; traffic has been diverted to R56. The R74 road between Harrismith and Bergville on the Oliver'shoek Pass is also closed, as is the R74 (Greytown/Colenso road) due to heavy snowfall in Santa Maria. Roads R103 and the toll section of Tugela are completely closed due to harsh weather. On the section from Lions River to Nottingham, traffic is very difficult, and the speed is around 20 km/h.
Situation in Eastern Cape
The following roads are completely closed in the Eastern Cape: N6 (Penchhoek Pass) between Komani (Queenstown) and Jamestown, N9 (Lootsberg Pass) between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg, R58 (Barkly Pass) between Elliot and Barkly East, and the Boesmanshoek Pass between Sterkfontein and Molteno.
Situation in Free State
On the N3 section between Harrismith and the Van Reenen Pass, drivers should proceed with extreme caution. Emergency crews are spraying brine on all lanes to prevent black ice formation. Wet snow and rain are occurring between Warden and Mooi River, and a layer of snow is visible in Swinburne; drivers are urged to immediately reduce speed. The R74 road on the Oliver'shoek Pass, between Harrismith and Bergville, is considered high-risk. Although the route was previously passable, conditions are deteriorating rapidly towards the KZN border. Thick ice has affected routes around the Matatili border and regional roads in southern Free State, and mountain passes may be temporarily closed.
Situation in Mpumalanga
In most areas of Mpumalanga, traffic is proceeding normally. Nevertheless, the Long Tom Pass on R37 was closed after several vehicles got stuck on slippery ascents, and road services blocked access from both sides. Traffic at the N4/N12 interchange is open but extremely dangerous. Emergency services reported numerous accidents due to poor visibility and wet, icy road surfaces. On the Belfast, Dalstroom, and Russenekal (R540) sections, traffic is open but requires extreme caution. Light snow and heavy wet snow have affected the road shoulders, creating potentially icy patches. Volksrust and Ermelo report drizzle and localized icing, and strong crosswinds are affecting high-sided vehicles.
Situation in Western Cape
Traffic in the Western Cape is moderate, but the Swartberg Pass and the Mont Rochelle/Franschhoek roads are closed due to snow.
In other parts of South Africa, traffic is running smoothly in Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, and North Cape, although some areas are experiencing cold and damp conditions.
