Persistent, heavy rainfall has transformed serene streams into raging torrents, swallowing roads and making low-water bridges death traps. Transport MEC Violet Mathye voiced the province’s deep concern, stating plainly, “We are deeply concerned about the loss of lives… No destination is worth a human life.”
The Deceptive Danger of Floodwaters
The core of the warning tackles a common and fatal misjudgment. “Floodwaters are unpredictable and can easily sweep away both people and vehicles,” Mathye emphasised. Water that appears shallow or calm can hide a devastating undercurrent, a washed-away road surface, or a sudden surge in depth. A vehicle can lose traction in just 15 centimeters of flowing water, and be swept away in 30 centimeters.
The department’s guidelines are non-negotiable:
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Do not cross any flooded road, no matter how familiar or how shallow the water appears.
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Obey all road closure signs and instructions from traffic officials without question.
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Seek and use alternative routes.
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Drastically reduce speed in wet conditions.
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Exercise heightened vigilance for pedestrians and schoolchildren in flood-prone areas.
A Community-Wide Alert
This is not just a warning for drivers. Pedestrians are at extreme risk, and communities are urged to cooperate fully with the traffic officers, law enforcement, and disaster management teams deployed across the province. These teams are on high alert, monitoring conditions and are there to prevent further loss of life.
The department extended its condolences to the grieving families, a somber reminder that these warnings are born of real and recent tragedy.
As the heavy rains continue, the message is one of collective responsibility. Road users must actively follow alerts from the South African Weather Service and report emergencies immediately. In the face of nature’s force, the only wise choice is patience and caution. Turn around, don’t drown. In Limpopo right now, that detour isn’t an inconvenienceit’s a lifesaver.
