Truck stuck on R617 as RTI confirms snowfall in Kokstad, Underberg, Matatiele, and Clifton around Nottingham Road – snowfall chasers are prohibited: Duma commends RTI for swiftly implementing a snowfall response plan by closing R617 towards Kokstad and some road networks to ensure that motorists are not trapped
Media and Public Statement by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma_
10 August 2026
Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: To ensure that motorists and snow chasers are not trapped in areas where there is a snowfall, the Road Traffic Inspectorate is already implementing the Snowfall Response Plan.
Accordingly, we wish to inform motorists and the people of KwaZulu-Natal of the closure of some roads in Kokstad, Kingscot, and Underberg. R617 has been closed, and traffic is being redirected to R56.
RTI has reported that one truck is stuck on R617, Kingscot.
We are requesting motorists to delay their trips and members of the public to remain indoors, as prevention is better than cure.
As we have stated in the past, our Snowfall Response plan involves removing snow before it could accumulate to more than 30 cm in depth.
In this regard, our hard-working operators of graders have been activated.
Our engineers have informed us that when water and ice seep into existing cracks on our roads and freeze, these cracks turn into large potholes.
These are the realities of erratic weather patterns caused by climate change.
Every year we witness extreme hot weather accompanied by heavy rains and now snowfall.
The above challenges will come under discussion during the Transport Indaba scheduled for the first week of October at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
Ends
Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements
