A powerful cold front sweeping across South Africa has resulted in significant snowfall, forcing the closure of major national roads and mountain passes in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Authorities have taken decisive action, shutting down large sections of the N2 highway to prevent accidents and save lives amid icy conditions.
The most critical closure affects the N2 highway between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, a measure that extends into the Eastern Cape between Kokstad and KwaBhaca (formerly Mount Frere). KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, confirmed the decision, stating, “To save lives, we have decided to close completely the road between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg as well as the R603.”
Disaster management teams in both provinces are on high alert as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple warnings. An Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snowfall is in effect for areas including the Joe Gqabi district, Molteno, and Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, indicating a potential danger to life and the risk of communities being cut off.
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Widespread Disruptions and Official Warnings
The impact of the weather is not limited to the N2. Several other key routes are either closed or experiencing severe disruptions:
- R56: Closed between Kokstad and New Amalfi on the border of KZN and the Eastern Cape.
- R617: Closed between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg.
- N10: Closed between Cookhouse and Cradock in the Eastern Cape due to heavy snow and collisions.
- R58 Barkley Pass: Conditions are slippery with heavy snow, and the road is only open to light vehicles under supervision.
- N9 Lootsberg Pass & N6 Penhoek Pass: Traffic is moving slowly under the watch of traffic officers.
Officials have strongly advised motorists, including those tempted to go “snow chasing,” to avoid the affected areas entirely. The combination of heavy snowfall, damaging winds uprooting trees, and icy roads has created extremely dangerous driving conditions. The N3 Toll Route has also cautioned travellers to prepare for potential delays and to carry emergency supplies such as food, water, and warm blankets. The severe weather conditions are expected to persist until at least Thursday.
Image: Authorities are on high alert after icy winter conditions, including snowfall, gripped some parts of the Eastern Cape on Monday. Credit: @AfricanHub/X
