Several mountain passes in the Eastern Cape that were closed after heavy snowfall on Monday have been cleared and reopened, authorities reported, though officials warned motorists to avoid unnecessary travel while conditions remain hazardous in parts of the province.
Passes cleared after snowfall disrupted travel
The Transport Department confirmed that graders and emergency teams worked through the day to clear roads affected by the cold front. Passes and routes that were closed included Penhoek, Boesmanhoek and Barkly Pass, as well as stretches of the R405, R415 and the N9. By Tuesday evening several of those routes had been made passable again.
Rescue personnel freed travellers trapped in their vehicles on Barkly Pass in the early hours of the morning before roads were closed for clearing, the reporting shows. No accidents were reported in relation to the snowfall, according to the available accounts.
National and provincial warnings remain in force
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) urged the public to avoid unnecessary journeys to areas affected by snow, ice, strong winds or flooding. Motorists were asked not to attempt to drive on roads that have been closed by traffic or emergency authorities and to check verified sources for the latest weather and road conditions before setting out on long-distance travel.
“The entirety of the N3 toll route is a concern,” said Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3 Toll Concession, underlining the wider pressure on major routes as the cold front moves over eastern parts of the country.
While the quote relates to the neighbouring KwaZulu‑Natal and Gauteng network pressures, its sentiment reflects a national picture: frozen mountain passes combined with heavy rain and strong winds can rapidly impede both local and inter‑provincial travel.
What motorists and residents should know
- Avoid travel to affected mountain areas where possible until official updates confirm roads are safe.
- Do not drive on roads that have been officially closed for clearance or emergency operations.
- Check weather and road-condition updates from verified government and traffic authorities before departing.
- Protect vulnerable people — children, older adults and those with chronic illnesses — from exposure to severe cold.
Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said graders were deployed to remove snow and make routes passable. The coordinated work by road authorities, traffic services and rescue teams meant that, by late afternoon, several previously closed Eastern Cape routes were open to traffic, though with restrictions in some stretches.
| Route / Pass | Reported status |
|---|---|
| Penhoek | Closed, cleared and reopened |
| Boesmanhoek | Closed, cleared and reopened |
| Barkly Pass | Rescue operations; closed then cleared |
| R405 / R415 / N9 | Closed in sections; graders clearing |
The situation remains fluid. Emergency services and road crews continue to monitor high‑lying areas where snow, ice and strong winds can make conditions unpredictable. Motorists are advised to carry warm clothing, food, water and a charged mobile phone if travel is unavoidable, and to keep a safe following distance on wet or icy surfaces.
Local impact and context
The cold front that has swept parts of the country is not limited to the Eastern Cape; heavy snow and strong winds have affected sections of KwaZulu‑Natal and parts of the Mountain region. Social media in the province showed images of heavy snow in towns such as Dordrecht and the highlands around Barkly East, where temperatures in the valleys fell to single figures and roads became treacherous.
Local farmers and communities in high‑altitude settlements are typically vulnerable during severe cold snaps. Authorities have for years urged preparedness measures in informal settlements and rural farming areas, including plans to keep livestock and supplies safe from extreme cold. Residents are reminded to follow local municipal advisories and to report emergencies to the nearest SAPS or traffic office.
For now, the immediate priority for provincial and national agencies is to keep critical routes open, support stranded motorists, and ensure communities at risk receive necessary assistance while the cold front persists.
Location: Barkly East / Dordrecht area, Eastern Cape.
