Easter weekend: All you need to know from load shedding to traffic, weather and having fun

As South Africans gear up for the Easter long weekend, President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished South Africa’s multi-religious community well over the short holiday period.

Easter well wishes

President Ramaphosa extended his wishes to the Muslim community who are approaching the mid-point of the Holy Month of Ramadan, including the Jewish community who are observing Passover.

He also wished the diverse Christian denominations a prayerful and peaceful Easter weekend.

Safety

Ramaphosa called on the nation to observe this weekend with care and consideration for families and communities affected by natural disasters and incidents of violent crime.

“It is good for the soul of our nation that so many communities are engaging in prayerful devotion and family-centred activities at this time.

“As we travel around our beautiful country during this period, let us take good care of one another. Our roads aren’t dangerous; it’s our behaviour that’s dangerous.

“Behaviour such as drinking and driving, overtaking on solid lines and blind rises in the road, not taking breaks when we are tired, or overloading vehicles with people or goods”, Ramaphosa said.

Traffic hotspots

Meanwhile, the interprovincial highways are expected to be extremely busy as thousands of people are expected to hit the road this weekend with law enforcement in full force to ensure their safety.

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson Simon Zwane told The Citizen there are several hotpots which law enforcement officials will be monitoring.

“The hotpots are along the major routes. So we have the N1 and Moloto Road between Gauteng and Limpopo, N3 Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal, the N4 Gauteng to Mpumalanga particularly the area around Middleburg.”

“We also have main accident hotspots along Mookgopong on the N1, Harrismith on the N3, Mankweng in Limpopo, Beaufort West on the N1 south to Cape Town, around Beaufort West, Leeu Gamka and there are many other that may come up,” Zwane said.

Pilgrimage

Minister of transport Sindisiwe Chikunga urged road users to take necessary precautions, to practice road safety and obey the rules of the road when travelling during the long weekend.

“Due to the start of the long weekend as a result of Good Friday and Easter Monday, some road users are already heading for pilgrimage and holiday destinations. By noon, the traffic volume had picked up on all national routes such as N1, N2, N3 and N4.

“The visibility of law enforcement officers will be the order of the day throughout this weekend to ensure safety on our roads.

“Over the years it has been proven that moving violations are the biggest causes of road crashes on national routes,” she said.    

Some of the major routes expected to be busy:

• N1 to Limpopo
• N3 to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
• N2 in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
• N4 and N12 to Mpumalanga
• N12 to Western Cape
• N12 to Eastern Cape
• N14 to North West

Johannesburg

While some people will remain in Johannesburg, the MMC for public safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, warned that there will be zero tolerance and police officers will be out in full force.

“In terms of the road blocks, we want road blocks everywhere, Sandton, Midrand and Rosebank, and ensure that our people are safe.

“Once individuals see police visibility, they tend to be very disciplined.”

Baptism rituals

Tshwaku has also urged residents to refrain from performing church rituals at rivers and streams.

“We are saying to them that please take precautionary safety measures. We don’t want our people to drown.

“So, the aqua unit and the emergency services know the hotspots, so we don’t have to be reactive, we must be proactive.”

Load shedding

While many will try and get some rest and relaxation, load shedding can have an impact on the festivities during the long weekend.

Eskom has behaved and shared the power cuts schedule which seems to be stable with no load shedding through much of Sunday and Monday, due to lower demand.

• Thursday: stage 4 until Friday 5am
• Friday: stage 1 from 5am to 4pm, stage 2 from 4pm until Saturday 5am
• Saturday: stage 1 from 5am to 4pm, stage 3 from 4pm until Sunday 5am
• Sunday: no load shedding from 5am to 4pm, stage 3 from 4pm until Monday 5am
• Monday: no load shedding from 5am to 4pm, stage 3 from 4pm until Tuesday 5am

However, the load shedding schedule could change at short notice Eskom warned.

ALSO READ: No reprieve as load shedding continues over Easter weekend

Car care

As many people will be travelling by road this weekend, The Citizen Motoring advised South Africans to keep their tyres, car, and themselves in check.

Ensure all safety checks on your car has been done before setting off on your adventures.

READ: Keeping your tyres, car and yourself in check this Easter

Whether you plan to travel over the Easter holidays or quality time at home, The Citizen rounded up a few exciting ways in which you can keep the kids entertained.

CHECK IT OUT HERE: 9 fun Easter holiday activities for kids.

How to enjoy Easter weekend

And if you really don’t know what to do this weekend, don’t stress, The Citizen has you covered.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, families over the world have been encouraged to celebrate all special occasions and holidays indoors to protect themselves from the virus, but to also save money wherever they can.

The Citizen’s Lifestyle team advised South Africans to try these fun and creative ways to enjoy the Easter weekend with your loved ones.

As a bonus, you also won’t be burning a hole in your pocket.

GET THE DETAILS HERE: How to celebrate the upcoming Easter holidays on a budget this year.

Weather

While many South Africans will be enjoying activities or travelling, they will also be keeping an eye on the weather.

As the country is now starting to transition from the summer to autumn season, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) says this does not mean the rain has completely subsided.

According to forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela, most of the showers and thundershowers can be expected in the southern parts of the country on Thursday, as well as on Good Friday.

However, motorists who will be travelling back from their various holiday destinations can expected a good chance of heavy downpours in the north-eastern parts of the country (including Gauteng) from Easter Sunday to Monday next week.

FULL WEATHER UPDATE: Wet Easter Sunday on the cards

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Take care and be safe!