Help arrives for snow-stranded motorists in KZN

A team of officers from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) were deployed this morning to begin clearing the accumulated snow in KZN using a snowplow blade.

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, says: “We have deployed our efficient and hardworking team of officers from the RTI to assist motorists.”

Duma says he will be stationed near the Mandela Capture Site in Howick, alongside the team from the RTI.

“We are encouraged by the hard work and partnership between private and public emergency rescue services who are assisting stranded motorists on various routes affected by the snow.

“I am currently travelling along the N3 to ensure we strengthen co-ordination between the intervention teams from the Pietermaritzburg and Ladysmith regions.

“These are the realities of erratic weather patterns caused by climate change. Every year, we witness extreme heat followed by heavy rains, and now heavy snow,” says Duma.

He adds that the department is closely monitoring key routes in KZN, which remain closed due to heavy snowfall, ice and rain.

The affected routes include:

• N3 Toll Route from Estcourt in KZN to Harrismith
• N3 Harrismith to Tugela Toll
• R74 (Harrismith to Bergville)
• R74 Greytown/Colenso Road (closed due to heavy snowfall at Santa Maria)
• R617 (Kokstad to Underberg)
• Tugela Plaza
• R103
• N3 North
• N11 – Ladysmith to Newcastle
• N11 Amajuba Pass

The R33 from Vryheid to Dundee remains open, though there is water pooling on the road at Cotswold. The R34 from Newcastle to Blood River/Vryheid is also open, with snow along the route.

The R33 from Vryheid to Paulpietersburg and the R34 from Vryheid to Melmoth also remain open.

The N2 Ingeli and the N3 in Mooi River are under close observation.

Duma urges motorists not to attempt using alternative routes, as conditions on the roads remain hazardous.

“Please stay at home,” he advises.

SAPS’ snow rescue operations

Police in KZN have also been deployed to provide assistance and give out warm food to commuters who have been stuck on the N3 between Estcourt and Mooi River.

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda says among those stranded on the N3 are police officers who have been providing security services to commuters.

The management of police in KZN have mobilised business partners who have already started preparing food and warm clothing for those who are stuck in the freezing snow.

“Despite unfavourable flying conditions, police, working with other rescue and humanitarian entities, are braving the conditions to preserve life and deliver much-needed basic services,” says Netshiunda

SA closes border posts

According to an article published in The Witness, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced the closure of several border posts due to heavy snowfall, which has made conditions unsafe for travellers.

The Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, issued a notice this morning, urging travellers to avoid certain border crossings as a precautionary measure.

The affected border posts include Sani Pass, Boesmansnek, and Monontsha, all of which have been closed until further notice.

The decision, made in collaboration with stakeholders operating at these locations, was taken to ensure the safety of travellers, tourists, and officials amid dangerous weather conditions.

“Given the current situation, the closure is necessary to prevent any harm to those using these routes. The conditions pose a significant risk to safety,” says Dr Masiapato.

As an alternative, travellers can use the Ficksburg, Caledonspoort, Makhaleng, and Maseru border posts, which remain open for those entering Lesotho.

Travellers are urged to stay informed and check for updates before attempting to cross any border posts.