Mpumalanga road users urged to be cautious on the road amid wet conditions

The Lowveld has been experiencing wet conditions since Monday, September 29, resulting in a number of road accidents. The MEC for public works, roads and transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, has urged road users to exercise greater caution.

Thomo emphasised that motorists, especially public transport operators, must drive carefully. He warned that heavy rains are expected to continue across the province this week, making roads wet and slippery and increasing the risk of crashes, particularly for buses and taxis.

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“We call upon all road users to prioritise safety during this period. Reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance, switch on headlights for visibility, and avoid overtaking in dangerous areas. Public transport operators, in particular, must remember they are responsible not only for their own lives, but also for the lives of passengers who rely on them every day,” said Thomo.

He also urged communities and road users to report damaged roads or blocked drainage to authorities so that prompt interventions can be carried out. “Let us work together to ensure every journey ends safely. No life should be lost due to reckless driving or negligence, especially in hazardous conditions,” Thomo added.

Moeti Mmusi, spokesperson of the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, said that while accidents had been reported, none were major. Traffic officials remain on high alert to keep traffic moving smoothly. He also reminded motorists to use headlights when driving in the rain and to slow down, particularly in areas with roadworks.