Government urges extreme caution as severe winter weather disrupts travel across parts of South Africa

Government urges members of the public to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution as severe winter weather, including heavy snowfall, freezing conditions, rain and strong winds, affect several parts of the country. The weather has already resulted in a number of road closures and disruptions across several provinces.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued weather warnings for parts of the country, with conditions expected to bring hazardous travel, particularly over mountainous areas and along affected road networks.

The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow, with parts of the Eastern Cape and Free State among the hardest hit, with snowfall affecting a number of major routes and mountain passes. Motorists are advised that Penhoek Pass along the N6 between Komani (Queenstown) and James Calata (Jamestown) has been reopened to traffic. The roadway is currently drivable, following the removal of most of the snow from the road surface by a grader. The R58 between Lady Grey and Ekhephini (Barkly East) has also reopened to traffic.

In KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, authorities are closely monitoring conditions along the N3 and other routes, including the Van Reenen and Oliviershoek Pass areas, where snow, sleet, rain, ice and hazardous road conditions are affecting travel. The N3 between Harrismith and Van Reenen Pass should be approached with extreme caution. Emergency teams are spraying brine across all lanes to prevent black ice from forming.

Other areas, including parts of Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, are also experiencing adverse winter weather, with some routes affected by snowfall, icy conditions and strong winds.

A Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive winds has also been issued for parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape. Strong winds may result in localised impacts, including hazardous travelling conditions, reduced visibility and disruption to transport.

Government, through the National Disaster Management Centre, provincial and local disaster management structures, traffic authorities, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders, continues to monitor the situation and coordinate response measures in affected areas.

Authorities are assessing road conditions, managing closures where necessary and working to keep affected routes safe and accessible where conditions permit. Government further appeals to motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and emergency officials. Road closures are implemented to protect lives, and motorists should not attempt to bypass barriers or access roads that have been declared unsafe

Members of the public are reminded that weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Roads that are currently open may subsequently be closed if conditions deteriorate, while previously closed routes may be reopened once they have been assessed and cleared by the relevant authorities.

The public is urged to rely on official updates from the South African Weather Service, provincial traffic authorities, road agencies, disaster management structures and emergency services for the latest information.

Government will continue to closely monitor the weather system and its impacts across the country and will coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect communities and road users.

Government urges the public to take the following precautions:

• Avoid unnecessary travel to areas affected by heavy snowfall, ice, strong winds, flooding or other hazardous weather conditions.
• Do not attempt to drive on roads that have been closed by traffic or emergency authorities.
• Motorists travelling on roads that remain open should reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and exercise extreme caution, particularly on mountain passes.
• Follow the instructions and guidance of traffic officials, emergency services and disaster management authorities.
• Check the latest weather and road conditions from verified sources before undertaking long-distance journeys.
• Where possible, postpone travel until conditions have improved and affected routes have been assessed and declared safe.
• Avoid sharing unverified information about road closures and weather conditions, as this may cause confusion and place motorists and communities at greater risk.
• Take precautions to protect children, older people and other vulnerable people from extreme cold.
• Farmers and livestock owners are encouraged to ensure that livestock and other animals are kept in safe, warm and adequately sheltered areas during periods of severe cold and snowfall.

Government urges all members of the public to remain vigilant, exercise caution and prioritise their safety as winter weather conditions continue to evolve.

Media enquiries:
Nomonde Mnukwa, Acting Government Spokesperson: 083 653 7485
William Baloyi, Deputy Government Spokesperson: 083 210 6776

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