Severe weather hits South Africa – major routes to avoid
South Africans are being warned that severe winter weather is disrupting major roads across South Africa, from Tuesday, 11 August.
Heavy snowfall, rain, icy conditions and strong winds are making travel dangerous in parts of the Free State, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Western Cape.
In a statement on Monday, the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) urged motorists to postpone non-essential journeys where possible.
It warned that rapidly changing conditions could lead to temporary road closures, delays and dangerous driving conditions.
In the Free State, heavy snowfall is affecting sections of the N1 between Edenburg and Springfontein, although the route remains open. Motorists have been warned to expect reduced visibility, limited traction and icy patches.
The R34 between Welkom and Kroonstad is experiencing rainfall and is vulnerable to localised flooding during periods of heavy rain. SANRAL said conditions could deteriorate with little warning.
Snow has also been reported on the N6 between Reddersburg and Smithfield. The road remains open and drivable, but motorists face reduced traction and potentially icy sections. The R702 between Dewetsdorp and Wepener has also become icy.
SANRAL’s Free State provincial head, Marlize Nel Verwey, said motorists should take the conditions seriously, particularly as many South Africans have limited experience driving on snow and ice.
“SANRAL urges motorists to postpone all non-essential travel as adverse weather conditions continue to affect routes across the Free State,” she said.
“Snowfall, icy roads and rainfall may result in hazardous driving conditions, road closures and delays.”
In the Eastern Cape, conditions have been particularly severe, with several mountain passes and key routes closed.
In an interview with 702, CoGTA spokesperson Pheello Oliphant said higher-lying areas had been covered in snow while persistent rain was making roads wet and slippery.
“At present, it’s raining cats and dogs, and the higher-lying areas of the Eastern Cape are covered in a blanket of snow,” Oliphant said. “The roads are dangerous and hazardous.”
South Africans warned to remain cautious until roads are declared safe
The road between Graaff-Reinet and Cradock has been affected, while Penhoek Pass between Queenstown and Aliwal North has been closed.
Barkly East Pass between Barkly East and Elliot is also closed, with disruptions extending towards Mthatha and Kokstad along the N2.
Authorities have urged motorists to avoid travelling between Johannesburg and East London while conditions remain hazardous. Emergency teams have already rescued motorists who attempted to bypass road closures.
“We had to rescue those two cars,” Oliphant said. “We warned them not to drive through when we tell you that the roads are unpassable.”
Other major disruptions include the N3 between Estcourt and Harrismith over Van Reenen Pass, the N11 between Ladysmith and Newcastle over Amajuba Pass, and the R74 over Oliviershoek Pass.
The R617 between Kokstad and Underberg has also been closed after heavy vehicles became stranded.
Motorists should reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance, keep headlights switched on and obey roadblocks and official instructions. Drivers should never attempt to bypass a closed road or barricade.
SANRAL and provincial authorities are monitoring conditions with law enforcement, emergency services, and road management teams, while alternative routes are being identified where possible.
Conditions are expected to improve as snowfall eases, but motorists are being urged to remain cautious until roads are declared safe.
The major affected routes and roads include:
Free State
- N1: Edenburg–Springfontein
- R34: Welkom–Kroonstad
- N6: Reddersburg–Smithfield
- R702: Dewetsdorp–Wepener
Eastern Cape
- N6: Penhoek Pass
- N9
- N2: Kokstad, Harding and Brooksnek areas
- R58: Barkly Pass
- R405 and R415
- Graaff-Reinet–Cradock
- Barkly East Pass
- Routes towards Mthatha and Kokstad
KwaZulu-Natal
- N3: Estcourt–Harrismith, including Van Reenen Pass
- N11: Ladysmith–Newcastle, including Amajuba Pass
- R617: Kokstad–Underberg
- R74: Harrismith–Bergville, including Oliviershoek Pass
- R74: Greytown–Colenso near Santa Maria
- R103: Tugela Toll Plaza area
Mpumalanga
- R37: Long Tom Pass
Western Cape
- Franschhoek Pass
- Swartberg Pass
- Montagu Pass
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