Day 8: Roads are calm and quiet, shops remain closed in Ballito

It has been 8 days since the province was quite literally brought to its knees as a result of violent looting and protest action.

Today, July 15 reports indicate that most key roads are open throughout the North Coast and outlying areas.

Although it is advised that you only travel if necessary, the below roads have been reported to be open:

• M4 from Ballito side through to Durban North.
• M19 through to Pinetown 
• The N2 is open, aside from debris on the road at Queen Nandi N2 north and south. Slow down if driving in the area.
• No reported issues on the R102 between Tongaat and Umhlali. It is not yet confirmed whether the road is entirely clear.
• The M4 between Verulam and Durban.
• Chatsworth through to King Shaka International Airport.

Despite this, shops throughout the greater Ballito area (including Salt Rock) remain closed today.

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Meanwhile, eThekwini municipality has painted a bleak future for the economy of the metropolitan.

It was said that over R16-billion had been lost in damages – more than 40 000 businesses have been affected and more than 129 000 jobs have been lost.

ALSO READ: Mandeni mayor calls for peace to ‘save jobs, and the livelihoods of our people’