Having just recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic that all but crippled the tourism industry, the Blood River and Ncome museums (about 43km from Dundee) are now fighting a new battle – the ‘war of the road’.
Last week, the guest accommodation at Blood River was severely damaged in a vicious storm. Judean van Vuuren of Blood River said the museum will not be able to accept guests in that facility for around three months.
There are still 152 campsites, all with power access.

But the state of the access road – 20km from the R33 on the Dundee/Vryheid road – has deteriorated to such an extent that casual visitors, tourists and tour groups are hesitant to visit the Blood River and adjacent Ncome museums for fear of getting stuck or damaging their vehicles.

“The road was only scraped once by the Department of Transport last year. With the storms and the natural wear-and-tyre, the huge boulders and rutted areas have made for terrible driving conditions,” Janse van Vuuren said.
Officials from Ncome Museum concurred, saying that efforts to get the road upgraded had so far come to nought.
Tour guide Johann Hamman agreed that the access road was a ‘big off-putter’ as far as visitors are concerned.
“There’s thick, glutinous mud that turns into an evil mix of glue and snot; and if you drive too fast, the consequences can be fatal. Or very costly,” he remarked.

Dundee Tourism responds
Responding to the poor conditions of the road to the museums, Mthokozisi Toyi Mtshali (chairperson of Dundee Tourism CTO) said this ‘poses a major challenge to our tourism sector, which relies on these sites to preserve and share our rich history’.
“Similarly, the roads leading to Rorke’s Drift, Isandlwana Museum and several other significant heritage destinations are in poor condition. These routes are essential not only for tourism but also for local economic development, as they attract visitors from across the country and internationally. The current state of the roads limits the potential for sustainable growth in heritage tourism.

“We urgently call on the relevant government departments – including the Department of Transport, the Department of Tourism and local municipalities – to prioritise road maintenance and upgrades to these critical sites. Investment in infrastructure will boost tourism revenue, create jobs and support local businesses.
“Let us work together to ensure that our heritage remains accessible.”
The KZN Department of Transport and the office of the MEC were contacted for comment, but at the time of going to press, no response had been received.
Anyone able to assist these museums with road repairs can contact 034 632 1695 or 074 266 3025.

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