Eastern Cape passes reopen after heavy snow but dangerous conditions persist

Heavy snow forced the closure of multiple high‑lying mountain passes in the Eastern Cape on Monday, disrupting travel and prompting warnings from authorities as winter weather continued to affect the province.

Which passes were affected

Five routes were shut to traffic after snowfall: Barkly Pass (R58 between Barkly East and Khowa), Penhoek Pass (N6 between Komani and Jamestown), Boesmanshoek Pass (between Sterkstroom and Molteno), Qashas Nek Pass (between Matatiele and Lesotho), and Lootsberg Pass (N9 between Graaff‑Reinet and Middelburg).

Reopenings, closures and advice

By late afternoon on Monday, Penhoek and Lootsberg passes had reopened after graders cleared snow from the roadways, while Barkly and Boesmanshoek remained closed with hazardous conditions. By Tuesday morning, snowfall had subsided and all previously closed passes were reopened.

Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose advised motorists using the route between Graaff‑Reinet and Middelburg to use the N9/N6 via the R61 to Nxuba before rejoining the N10. He also cautioned that winter weather remains unpredictable and urged drivers to exercise caution.

Persistent hazards

Binqose warned of icy roads and poor visibility and said conditions remained treacherous even after the reopenings. He described ongoing local conditions:

“Penhoek Pass is experiencing thick fog and drizzle, while low‑lying areas continue to face cold weather, steady rainfall and mist. Cautious driving remains the order of the day.”

Incidents and response

No major weather‑related crashes were reported overnight, and emergency teams remained deployed across the province to monitor conditions and assist where necessary. Binqose thanked motorists for their cooperation and urged practical safety measures:

“Slow down, increase following distances and switch on your headlights,”

he said.

What motorists were told

• Avoid closed routes and obey signage.
• Follow instructions from traffic and emergency personnel.
• Plan ahead, reduce speed and prioritise safety.

The initial closures and later reopenings were reported on 11 August 2026.