WATCH: Motorists urged to be cautious as snow forces closure of highway in Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape Transport Department has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads with the N9 between Graaff Reinet and Middelburg already closed to traffic.

The department shared videos with The Citizen showing snow-covered fields and hills. The road surface has a layer of snow on it.

Snow

Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the Wapadsberg Pass on the R61 between Nxuba (Cradock) and Graaff-Reinet is not yet closed. However, the N9 has been affected.

“Lootsberg Pass – N9 between Graaff Reinet and Middelburg has been closed to traffic as the snow continues to fall there and the road is getting thicker on the road,” Binqose said.

“Motorists are urged to use that road only if they really need to, and in doing that, proceed with caution.  We are keeping a close eye on other mountain passes as well.

“We are keeping a close eye on other mountain passes as well. Meanwhile, the N6 road between Komani (Queenstown) and Cathcart is closed due to a truck accident that spilt hazardous chemicals on the road. The road will be closed for a period of time,” Binqose said.

WATCH Snow in the Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape Transport Department has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads after snowfall in the province. Snow covered fields, roads and mountian passes in the Eastern Cape. Vids: Unathi Binqose #Snow #EasternCape @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/oz1EWfUzhc

— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) June 9, 2025

ALSO READ: Snow, disruptive rain and severe thunderstorms to sweep across country

Joburg

Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) says no major incidents were reported in the city following the intense cold front, which is sweeping across the country, including Johannesburg in Gauteng.

South Africans will continue to experience wintry conditions, with a cold, wet, and windy start to the week. This is due to a strong cut-off low sweeping across the country, accompanied by snow, as a high-pressure system rides in behind a cold front.

However, conditions in Gauteng are relatively calm, with no snow, and the South African Weather Service (Saws) says it will be cool in places in the north. Otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and cold, becoming cloudy with isolated showers and rain.

ALSO READ: Winter wonderland: Snow expected in Gauteng next week

Alert

Joburg Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi urged residents to continue taking precautions during the cold spell.

“Residents are urged to continue to look after all heating devices, such as heaters, braziers, and paraffin stoves, and not leave them unattended while in use, so that we can prevent fire incidents that might occur during these extreme cold temperatures.

“From our side, as the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, together with our disaster management monitoring teams and all our specialised teams, are monitoring all seven regions of the city for any emergencies,” Mulaudzi said.

The Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) says no major incident were reported in the city following the intense cold front which is sweeping across the country including Johannesburg in Gauteng. Robert Mulaudzi explains. #Johannesburg #ColdFront @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/1GYP8nsFTc

— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) June 9, 2025

Weather warnings

The Weather Service has issued two orange and six yellow level warnings for several parts of the country, with warnings of very cold, wet and windy conditions, including snow for several parts of the country.

Localised flooding, road closures and icy conditions are also expected in some areas.

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