WATCH | Dangerous driving conditions grip Northern Cape during downpour

Heavy rainfall, reduced visibility, and slippery road surfaces have created hazardous driving conditions in the Northern Cape, increasing the risk of road accidents.

Certain roads may also experience localised flooding, waterlogged surfaces, and reduced traction, posing serious danger to motorists.

Following the widespread downpour in the Northern Cape since Wednesday 29 April, the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison urges all road users across the province to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution as adverse weather conditions continue to affect several roads.

The following busy roads are heavily affected (as on 30 April):

• The R31 between Hotazel and Kimberley
• The N12 between Christiana and Kimberley.
• The N14 between Kuruman and Vryburg is closed from 15:00 today. Law enforcement will redirect traffic to an alternative route.
• The N8 between Kimberley and Groblershoop.

Drivers are advised to reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance, ensure headlights are on during poor visibility, and avoid crossing flooded roads or low-water bridges. Public transport operators and freight drivers are especially encouraged to prioritise passenger and cargo safety by adhering strictly to road safety regulations.

The Department further appeals to communities to remain informed through official weather updates and traffic advisories and to report any road hazards to relevant authorities.

“Road safety remains a shared responsibility, and through collective vigilance, we can prevent unnecessary loss of life during this period of inclement weather. Our road traffic law enforcement officers remain deployed across all major routes in the province,” said Rennie Andrias, spokesperson of the department.

Road condition updates

Earlier on Thursday, the Department of Roads and Public Works issued the following road condition updates:

Namakwa District

Rainfall across the Namakwa District has caused damage to several roads, affecting travel conditions and accessibility in certain areas.

• Affected routes include:
• MR584 / DR2306 (Fraserburg to Western Cape border)
• TR84 / Lus10 (near the N14)
• DR2972 (Loeriesfontein to Granaatboskolk)
• DR2976 (Brandvlei to Katkop)
• DR2268 (Sutherland to Williston)

Road maintenance teams are actively on site, and some routes have already been bladed to improve accessibility. Ongoing work is focused on repairing sections that were washed away.

ZF Mgcawu District

The recent and continuous rainfall across the ZF Mgcawu District has resulted in damage to several gravel roads. Many routes are currently wet, muddy, and experiencing water ponding.

Heavy-duty vehicles, especially trucks, are strongly urged to avoid wet and muddy gravel roads.
Using these roads leads to the increase risk of accidents, vehicles getting stuck, and further road damage, particularly in the Kalahari areas.

The assessments of road damage caused by flooding, runoff, and erosion are underway, while relief and repair efforts have commenced in affected areas

Frances Baard District

The rainfall has left several gravel roads across the district wet, muddy, and hazardous for travel.

• The following roads are affected:
• DR3129 Griekwastad to Niekershoop
• MR811 Schmidtsdrift to Douglas
• MR809 Douglas to Griekwastad
• DR3032 Niekershoop to Douglas
• MR803 Campbell to Papkuil
• MR802 Witputs to Lucoff
• F2/F3 Vaalharts Farm
• MR917 Barkley West to Spitskop
• DR3388 Ulco to Boetsap
• DR3400 Spitskop to Blesmanspos
• MR923 Spitskop Mine
• DR3415 Ganspan to Jan Kemdorp
• DR3123 N12 to Mokala National Park

Ongoing assessments are being conducted across affected routes. Once conditions improve and roads are dry, priority will be given to spot regravelling and full regravelling to restore safe driving conditions.

Pixley ka Seme District

Persistent and widespread rainfall across the Pixley ka Seme District has significantly impacted several gravel roads, leaving them waterlogged, muddy, and hazardous for safe travel.

• Hazardous roads include:
• MR 007 Doorndam to Van Wyksvlei
• DR2329 Loxton to Vosburg
• DR3002 and DR3004 In Vosburg Area
• DR2997 Carnarvon Area
• DR2405 and DR2418 Victoria West Area
• DR2320 and DR2321 In Victoria West
• DR2429 De Aar to Victoria West
• MR799 Prieska to Strydenburg
• DR767 Prieska to Carnarvon

Comprehensive assessments are underway across affected routes to determine the extent of damage. Once weather conditions stabilise and roads have sufficiently dried, priority interventions – including spot regravelling and full regravelling – will be implemented to restore safe and reliable driving conditions.

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