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VIDEO – Msukaligwa Municipality pledges to tend to accident-prone intersection

Highvelder investigated and drove up the street, and it was evident that the stop sign only becomes visible when a driver is very close to the intersection, potentially limiting reaction time for motorists travelling at speeds above 60km/h.

ERMELO – A collision between a car and a bakkie occurred at the intersection of Macdonald and Jan van Riebeeck streets on August 4.

Emergency services, including the local police, fire and rescue teams and towing operators, responded quickly.

Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, though both vehicles sustained damage.

Residents have raised concerns over faded road markings and the visibility of the stop sign, which is partially obscured by broken-down taxis parked nearby.

Highvelder investigated and drove up the street, and it was evident that the stop sign only becomes visible when a driver is very close to the intersection, potentially limiting reaction time for motorists travelling at speeds above 60km/h.

The Msukaligwa Local Municipality spokesperson, Mandla Zwane, said: “Intersections are routinely inspected as part of ongoing road maintenance, with the most recent assessment conducted earlier this year.

“Due to recent concerns, an immediate follow-up inspection will be arranged.”

A screenshot of the article in the Highvelder Newspaper.
The article was published in the Highvelder’s August 8 edition.

He added that road markings and signage are scheduled for repainting quarterly across the municipality, with priority given to busy or worn intersections.

“Maintenance at this site will be expedited, with repainting and signage clearing planned within the coming weeks, weather permitting. Our maintenance team is currently working at the Boxer intersection in Wesselton.”

Zwane also noted that the municipality enforces strict by-laws prohibiting parking or abandoning vehicles near intersections to ensure clear visibility.

Enforcement measures may include fines and towing.

A line of white minibus taxis is parked along the side of a paved road under a clear blue sky. The road stretches into the distance, with trees and buildings visible on the right.
A row of parked minibus taxis along a street in Ermelo. The presence of these vehicles has been noted as a factor potentially obscuring a stop sign at a nearby intersection where a recent collision occurred. Photo: Wayne van der Walt

Reports of illegal vehicle repairs and broken-down taxis near the intersection are under investigation.

“Appropriate action will follow if by-laws are violated,” he confirmed.

In the meantime, motorists are urged to approach this intersection with caution, reduce speed, fully comply with stop signage and remain alert for any obstructions.

The municipality thanks the residents for their vigilance and encourages ongoing reporting of road safety concerns to help keep the community’s roads safe.

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Wayne van der Walt

Wayne van der Walt, with around 15 years in the media industry, is editor of Highvelder Newspaper. His accolades include Frewin Awards for Newspaper of the Year and Front Page of the Year, and FCJ Photographer of the Year, among other honours.

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