KOKSTAD — KwaZulu‑Natal authorities have warned motorists to exercise extreme caution on mountain routes after continuous rain and patches of snowfall made several roads hazardous and forced closures in the southern Drakensberg region.
Road closures and conditions
The provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) office said the R617 between Underberg and Kokstad remains closed and traffic travelling between those towns is being diverted to the R56. The N2 near Kokstad is being monitored closely by Road Traffic Inspectorate teams because of very slippery conditions caused by persistent rainfall and localized snow.
CoGTA spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi said disaster management teams are on high alert as the province braces for severe winter weather, with a Level 6 warning in place for heavy rain, snow, strong winds and extreme cold.
“According to the operational report from our disaster management teams several key roads have been affected, and some have been closed. While others are being closely monitored by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) teams. The R617 between Underberg and Kokstad remains closed, while the R56 is being monitored and the N2 very closely by RTI teams,”
The CoGTA statement also confirmed the province recorded two fatalities on Monday morning after a vehicle allegedly lost control in wet conditions near Howick, in the Pietermaritzburg area.
Local reaction and experience
Underberg residents reported rare, early‑morning snowfall. People who woke to the flurries described surprise and excitement at seeing snow settle on doorsteps — a weather event more commonly associated with the nearby Lesotho highlands than the KwaZulu‑Natal lowlands.
While some locals welcomed the change, authorities urged drivers not to be tempted to stop on mountain roads to take photographs or to attempt travel if their vehicles are not suitable for icy conditions.
What the public should know
- Expect slippery road surfaces on the N2 and R56 near Kokstad and on mountain passes across the southern Drakensberg.
- The R617 between Underberg and Kokstad is closed; motorists should follow official diversions to the R56.
- Disaster management and RTI crews are actively monitoring conditions; follow directions from officials and road signage.
Road status at a glance
| Road | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| R617 (Underberg–Kokstad) | Closed | Traffic diverted to R56 |
| R56 | Open — monitored | Subject to conditions and RTI oversight |
| N2 (Kokstad area) | Open — high risk | Dangerously slippery in places due to rain and snow |
Advice for motorists
Authorities offered practical steps to reduce risk while travelling in affected areas:
- Delay non‑essential travel where possible until conditions improve.
- Reduce speed and increase following distance on wet or icy stretches.
- Use headlights in poor visibility and avoid sudden braking or sharp steering movements.
- Carry warm clothing, a fully charged phone and basic emergency supplies if travel is unavoidable.
- Obey all instructions from RTI officers and disaster management personnel at roadblocks or diversions.
Emergency response and monitoring
CoGTA and municipal disaster management teams are coordinating with the Road Traffic Inspectorate and emergency services to respond to incidents, clear obstructions and provide assistance where necessary. Teams will continue to monitor weather reports and operational conditions as the Level 6 warning remains in force.
Residents and travellers are asked to keep tuned to official channels for updates on road status and safety advisories. Where possible, plan routes that avoid high mountain passes until the severe weather system moves through.
Reporting from the southern Drakensberg indicates that while the snowfall has been a novelty for some communities, the overriding message from authorities is caution — and that the province is actively managing the situation to reduce further harm to motorists and residents.
