The N3 highway, a vital artery connecting Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal, remains a scene of chaos following heavy snowfall that brought travel to a standstill over the weekend.
While authorities have managed to evacuate all stranded vehicles, the clean-up operation continues, with the road still closed to traffic.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Thulasizwe Buthelezi, warned motorists to avoid the N3, highlighting the treacherous conditions.
"Many drivers abandoned the trucks, and therefore, we urge people to stay away from the N3 because while the road is now open, the cleaning-up process needs to happen. The driving conditions are still very dangerous because of the black ice and the rainy conditions on the road," he said.
The heavy snowfall, which began on Friday night, caused the closure of the N3 in both directions between Harrismith in the Free State and the Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal. At its peak, 1 823 vehicles were stranded between Van Reenen's Pass and the Mooi River Plaza.
Tragically, one fatality has been reported. Buthelezi confirmed that a woman travelling in a taxi from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal died of hypothermia after the vehicle became stranded in the heavy snow. "The deceased passenger was a woman, and we will wait until we make contact with the family first before we make further statements," Buthelezi said.
Despite the challenging conditions, authorities have worked tirelessly to assist stranded motorists. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been on the ground since Sunday morning, assisting with rescue operations. Government agencies, including the Road Traffic Inspectorate, Cogta, SANDF, and social partners like the Red Cross and local municipalities, have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all passengers.
"All passengers that were on the road have been accounted for as of last night. All cars have been evacuated, but there is still a problem with the trucks on the road that still need to be cleared," Buthelezi said.
Acting Premier Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa will lead a delegation to visit centres set up to assist stranded passengers. "There is a centre at the Escort Town Hall and a disaster relief centre at the Ladysmith Town Hall, where she will be able to distribute relief material further and ensure that everyone can reach their destinations safely," said Buthelezi.
Meanwhile, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has confirmed that most stranded motorists have been assisted, but some remain trapped.
"Most of the roads have been cleared of snow and motorists who were trapped have been rescued and mop up operations are continuing," GCIS said in a statement.
While some roads have been cleared, the N3 remains closed to incoming traffic, with the exception of the section between Van Reenen and Montrose for recovery operations.
"Progress with clearing Van Reenen Pass is steady, and it is badly affected by abandoned trucks that are being cleared. Therefore, the Van Reenen Pass is still closed as rescue and recovery continues," GCIS said.
The GCIS strongly discourages travel on roads that have been opened, as the roads remain slippery and misty due to the snow.
"Both Wilge and Tugela Plazas are currently closed to traffic. The N5 from Bethlehem to Harrismith is open, though dangerous driving conditions persist 30km from Harrismith due to melting snow and travel on this route is strongly discouraged," GCIS said.
The N11 Route is now open between Ladysmith and Volksrust, however, the road is very misty through Majuba Pass making it difficult to drive, citizens along this route have been urged not to travel.
In the Free State, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has temporarily closed certain port of entries as a safety precaution. GCIS advised travellers seeking to enter Lesotho to use the Ficksburg Port, Caledonspoort, Makhaleng, Boesmansnek, Monontsha and Maseru as alternative ports of entry.
For Free State travellers who are still trapped in snow, the GCIS advised them to remain in their vehicles, signal for help, and wait for assistance from disaster management authorities and police.
"It is safer to stay inside your vehicle and wait for help and we advise citizens not to leave their vehicles to search for assistance unless help is visible within a reasonable distance," said GCIS.
The uThukela District – particularly Ladysmith, Bergville and Estcourt – and the Harry Gwala District are most affected by the snow.
Farmers have been advised to secure their livestock in safe areas to prevent fatalities. Madlopha-Mthethwa said they hoped that by Monday, the roads would be cleared.
