VIDEO: Sanral to take over Lydenburg’s dilapidated R36
Maintenance on this route started as far back as 2002, yet the final 11km section has never been properly completed.
Farmers, motorists, and residents say they are exhausted and frustrated by the continued deterioration of the R36/Badfontein Road, which has remained in a dangerous state for years.
For almost a decade, this stretch of road has been under construction with multiple contractors appointed by the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT), only for work to be halted due to alleged non-payment disputes.
The result is an 11km stretch of road plagued by deep potholes, excessive dust, and treacherous driving conditions.
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Recently, responsibility for the road’s maintenance and repairs was officially transferred to the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), along with several other neglected provincial roads.
While residents hoped this would bring long-overdue improvements, many remain skeptical, calling the road a death trap that continues to put lives at risk.
A video posted on social media by local resident Ronel-Mari Nel, showcasing the hazardous condition of the R36, went viral two weeks ago.
“Someone has to declare this road unsafe and unfit for driving. It is an absolute hazard,” she told the newspaper.
According to Gideon Cross, a farmer in the area, the R36 can be classified as one of the most dangerous roads in the province.
“In this country, dangerous conditions must be reported. This road has claimed numerous lives over the years We continue to communicate with the department about the risks it poses to farmers, residents, and motorists, yet we are left in the dark about any meaningful repairs,” Cross said.
He noted that maintenance on this route started as far back as 2002, yet the final 11km section has never been properly completed. Meanwhile, large ore-carrying trucks continue to use the road freely.
“These trucks show no regard for other motorists, often reaching speeds of over 100km/h,” he said.
Locals conducted a traffic count and found that the R36 carries approximately 1 000 trucks per day, with none of them belonging to Mpumalanga-based operators.
“These trucks come from Gauteng, the Free State, and Limpopo, and all we are left with is a road in ruins and a serious safety hazard,” Cross explained.
Dust clouds kicked up by vehicles make visibility nearly impossible in some areas, particularly in winter. “In certain sections, the dust rises to knee height, making it almost impossible to navigate in a regular vehicle,” he added.
Also read: Fatal accident on newly upgraded Viljoen Street in Lydenburg
The newspaper reached out to Sanral for clarity on the handover and repair plans for the R36. Lwando Mahlasela, Sanral’s media relations manager, confirmed that responsibility for the road was transferred to the agency in November 2024.
“Initially, Sanral could not begin emergency repairs, as the road was still under construction by the DPWRT. However, a meeting was held on May 13 to finalise the handover, where the department confirmed that their contract with the previous contractor had been terminated,” Mahlasela said.
Repair and maintenance work is expected to commence following a site handover meeting between the department and Sanral on Wednesday, June 4.
Sanral’s emergency repair contract, which covers newly incorporated roads, began on January 23, 2025, with anticipated completion by January 22, 2026.
“Sanral has an existing routine maintenance contract in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, which includes the R36. This contract has now been extended to cover the newly incorporated road network within the municipality,” Mahlasela added.
During construction, traffic will be managed through a stop-and-go system, and if detours become necessary, they will be maintained to ensure safe passage for motorists.
At the time of publication, the Mpumalanga DPWRT had not responded to media enquiries regarding the road’s status or repair timeline.
