MEDIA RELEASE

ALERT ON NATIONAL ROADS AFFECTED BY HEAVY RAINS AND FLOODING IN MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

Mpumalanga, 17 January 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to alert road users on several national roads that have been affected by heavy rains and flooding following persistent adverse weather conditions in Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga province.

AFFECTED NATIONAL ROADS:

Nkomazi

Thaba Chweu

Mbombela

ROAD USERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO AVOID THE FOLLOWING ROADS:

• R582 Section 1 (between N4 and R571 over the Komatipoort River) and use N4/R571 intersection towards Mananga Border Post as an alternative route.

THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS HAVE TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES IN PLACE AND ROAD USERS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION AND ADHERE TO WARNING SIGNS:

• R40 Section 4 Km19 between White River and Hazyview.
• R40 Section 4 Km 27.4 between White River and Hazyview.
• R40 Section 5 Km 30.4 between White River and Hazyview.

THE FOLLOWING SECTION OF ROAD IS GRAVEL AND EXTREMELY SLIPPERY DURING THESE HEAVY RAINS:

• R36 Section 3 Lydenberg to the N4 especially the first 8km from Lydenberg town.

SANRAL is closely monitoring the situation and working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all road users.

“Our Engineering teams are already carrying out assessments at the locations where it is safe to do so. Where it is still unsafe, assessments will be conducted once the flood water has subsided. Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) teams are also on standby,” said Mabuyi Mhlanga, SANRAL Mpumalanga Provincial Head.

“We appeal to all road users to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances for those roads open to traffic, and avoid driving through flooded areas, as water depth and road conditions may not be visible, “added Mhlanga.

Further updates will be communicated through SANRAL’s official communication channels as assessments continue and conditions change.

//Ends