Heavy snowfall in the northern parts of the Eastern Cape has prompted authorities to close three major mountain passes and deploy emergency teams to assist stranded motorists, the provincial Department of Transport reported on Monday.
Roads shut as snowfall renders routes impassable
The department said the closures affect Barkly Pass (R58) between Elliot (Khowa) and Barkly East, Penhoek Pass (N6) between Komani and James Calata (Jamestown), and Boesmanshoek Pass between Sterkstroom and Molteno. Motorists have been urged to avoid the affected routes until further notice.
| Mountain pass | Route | Between |
|---|---|---|
| Barkly Pass | R58 | Elliot (Khowa) — Barkly East |
| Penhoek Pass | N6 | Komani — James Calata (Jamestown) |
| Boesmanshoek Pass | — | Sterkstroom — Molteno |
Emergency response and public safety advice
Unathi Binqose, a spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, warned motorists to exercise extreme caution and not to attempt driving on closed or snow-covered roads. The department said several vehicles were stranded and emergency personnel were on the ground assisting and rescuing affected travellers.
"Avoid these routes until further notice. Do not attempt to drive through closed passes or snow-covered roads. If already travelling in affected areas, seek a safe location and follow instructions from emergency and traffic officials," Binqose said.
Officials gave the following practical guidance for those in the area:
- Do not travel on closed passes or roads with visible snow or ice.
- If already caught in affected areas, seek shelter and await assistance.
- Keep warm and avoid unnecessary exposure while waiting for help.
- Do not overtake or make sudden braking or steering movements on slippery surfaces.
Power interruptions complicate response
Severe weather has also disrupted electricity supplies in parts of the province. Eskom reported interruptions particularly in the Joe Gqabi and Alfred Nzo districts. The power utility said technicians faced difficulties accessing some areas and carrying out repairs safely because of hazardous conditions, and asked affected communities to remain patient.
The combination of blocked mountain passes and power outages complicates rescue and relief operations, as emergency crews must contend with dangerous driving conditions and limited access to remote settlements.
Context: a powerful cold front and cut-off low
The department's action follows a Weather SA warning of a powerful cold front and a developing cut-off low-pressure system, which forecasters said would bring bitterly cold temperatures, heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snowfall across parts of the country over the long weekend and into this week. Snow in the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape can rapidly make tarred and gravel roads treacherous and can isolate small communities.
Transport authorities said they would continue to monitor road conditions and issue further updates as the situation evolves. Road users planning travel in the region were advised to check official traffic and Weather SA updates before departing and to allow extra time or postpone non-essential journeys.
Local municipalities and emergency services are coordinating on-the-ground responses. Residents in affected high-lying areas should make contingency plans for limited mobility and power supply until conditions improve and routes are declared safe.
Further information is expected from the Department of Transport and Weather SA as the cold front moves through the province. Motorists requiring assistance were instructed to contact emergency services and to follow directions from traffic officers at roadblocks or checkpoints.
Key facts
- Three mountain passes closed: Barkly Pass (R58), Penhoek Pass (N6) and Boesmanshoek Pass.
- Emergency teams are assisting stranded motorists.
- Eskom reported power interruptions in Joe Gqabi and Alfred Nzo districts.
