Unusually heavy snowfall across South Africa on Saturday led to widespread road closures and stranded motorists, with emergency services struggling to reach those affected.
The N3 highway, a crucial link between Johannesburg and the coastal city of Durban, was particularly impacted. Thania Dhoogra, operations manager for the N3 Toll Concession, told ENCA broadcaster that several sections of the highway were closed, with even detour routes impassable.
“Emergency services have been working flat out through the night. They have been attempting to reach as many roads users as they can,” Dhoogra stated. The full extent of those affected and their conditions remained unclear by midday.
The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government reported that blankets and meals had been delivered to some stranded motorists. Simon Zwane, communications officer for the Road Traffic Management Corporation, told AFP that trucks had been parked on roadsides since Friday, and intercity buses were stuck at gas stations for around seven hours.
Muhammad Goolam, a motorist stranded near Harrismith, about 270 kilometers southeast of Johannesburg, told Newzroom Afrika that he had spent the night in his car with his children. “Over 13 hours, food supplies out, I don’t see us managing to drive out of here without any assistance from emergency personnel,” he said.
The Arrive Alive road safety campaign reported snowfall of up to two meters in some areas. South African Weather Services forecaster Luthando Masimini described the situation as “an extreme case,” with more snow expected and orange warnings (second-highest level) in place for several parts of the country.
Despite the dangers, the rare snowfall attracted some excited visitors. Justin Nadasem Baker drove three hours from Johannesburg with his family to Warden to see the snow. “We are excited. It has been many, many years since we saw snow,” he told AFP.
France24.com/AFP
