MBOMBELA — The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison has warned motorists to prepare for delays and hazardous driving conditions over the Women’s Day long weekend, following active roadworks and forecasts of heavy mist across several provincial corridors.
Plan for delays and stop-and-go controls
In a statement issued on 8 August, the department said motorists could expect notable delays, temporary speed reductions and stop-and-go traffic controls on major routes. Drivers are being urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and obey all temporary road signage.
“Road users must plan ahead, allow additional travel time, maintain a safe following distance and adhere to all temporary road signage and speed limits,”the department quoted MEC Jackie Macie as saying. The MEC also encouraged road users to rest regularly and remain alert during journeys.
Key corridors affected
The statement named several stretches of road where travellers should expect active construction or routine maintenance. The department singled out long-distance corridors that connect tourism and economic hubs across the province.
- N4 at the Gorge near Matsulu
- N4 through Schoemanskloof towards Mbombela
- R40 between Hazyview and White River
- N2 between eMkhondo (Piet Retief) and Pongola
- N11 between Middelburg and Pullenshope
| Route | Location |
|---|---|
| N4 | Gorge near Matsulu; Schoemanskloof towards Mbombela |
| R40 | Between Hazyview and White River |
| N2 | Between eMkhondo (Piet Retief) and Pongola |
| N11 | Between Middelburg and Pullenshope |
Mist and visibility hazards
Alongside construction, the department warned that heavy mist could substantially reduce visibility, particularly at night on peri-urban and rural stretches. Motorists were advised to lower speed, switch on fog lights where fitted and obey directions from road accommodation officers working on site.
Given the province’s combination of holiday traffic and tourism-linked movement to game reserves and attractions, the risks of long delays and collisions rise when fog coincides with lane reductions and traffic controls. The department said patience and diligence were vital to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.
Practical guidance for motorists
Motorists should consider the following precautions over the long weekend:
- Plan journeys in advance and allow additional travel time.
- Maintain a safe following distance, especially in low visibility.
- Reduce speed when approaching roadworks, temporary signs or stopped traffic.
- Use fog lights and dipped beams in heavy mist; avoid high beams which impair visibility for other drivers.
- Rest regularly and avoid driving while fatigued.
- Follow instructions from traffic officers and road accommodation crews on site.
The department’s communication reinforces routine road-safety messaging ahead of busy holiday periods. For local residents and visitors relying on the province’s road network, particularly those travelling to tourist areas in Ehlanzeni and Bohlabela districts, the combination of maintenance work and weather-related hazards is a reminder to travel with caution.
Transport and tourism sectors are dependent on predictable, safe road conditions. Disruptions to major routes such as the N4 and R40 can have knock-on effects for freight and hospitality operators, especially during peak holiday weekends.
Motorists are asked to monitor local traffic updates and heed any further advisories from the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison and traffic authorities over the weekend.
Nomsa Mahlangu is the Mpumalanga correspondent based in Mbombela, reporting on transport, energy and tourism issues across the province.
