By Mapaballo Borotho

- The Qacha’s Nek Port of Entry has been temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall and unsafe weather conditions.
- Travellers have been advised to postpone their journeys or use the Telle Bridge Port of Entry as an alternative.
- Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal are also monitoring snowfall and have activated response plans to keep roads safe.
Travellers heading to Lesotho through the Qacha’s Nek Port of Entry (PoE) may have to cancel or change their travel plans following the temporary closure of the border gate due to heavy snowfall in the area.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) says the heavy snowfall has resulted in unsafe weather conditions, necessitating the temporary suspension of daily operations.
The Authority’s Commissioner, Michael Masiapato, said the decision was taken in the interest of travellers, BMA staff and the entire border management community operating along the value chain.
“The decision to temporarily suspend operations as a precautionary measure was taken in consultation with our counterparts in Lesotho.
Travellers and commercial operators are advised to postpone their travel where possible. Alternatively, travellers can use the Telle Bridge PoE, which is located approximately 190 kilometres away,” he said.
The BMA said it will continue to closely monitor the situation in Lesotho and provide updates as weather conditions improve.
Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements is also monitoring snowfall in the Evatt and Kingscote areas along the R617 between Underberg and Swartberg.
“Our energised and dedicated Road Traffic Inspectorate team is monitoring the snowfall very closely as guided by the Snow Response Plan.
Graders will move in quickly to remove the snow before it accumulates beyond 30cm,” said KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma.
“We do not want a repeat of what we witnessed for the first time in history in September 2024 along the N3 in the south-west of KwaZulu-Natal and near Newcastle,” Duma added.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant and prepare for a cold weekend.
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