While motorists travelling the R33 between Dundee and Vryheid have labelled the road a ‘death trap’, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport says maintenance work is planned to improve safety for road users.

Maintenance tender awaits approval

Information provided to sister publication the Northern Natal Courier in Dundee indicates that a tender for zonal maintenance closed in February and is currently awaiting the adjudication process.

Mfundo Wela, organisational development analyst in the department’s organisational development services directorate, said the project is planned to commence on April 20, subject to final approvals.

“However, the process could be delayed should any of the bidders lodge appeals,” he said.

Ongoing pothole repairs

Addressing short-term measures, Wela said the department’s internal maintenance teams have been carrying out pothole repairs and blacktop patching along the route since November last year.

“Our internal maintenance team has been actively repairing potholes and conducting blacktop patching along the route since November. These efforts are ongoing and form part of our continuous maintenance programme aimed at improving driving conditions,” he explained.

Concerns over incomplete repairs

A massive pothole in the vicinity of Teacup was also scheduled to be repaired last Wednesday, when a stop-and-go system was implemented to allow teams to address the dangerous defect that motorists said had the potential to cause accidents. However, motorists who travelled the route later on Thursday afternoon reported that the pothole had been dug out across both lanes, but had not yet been repaired. According to these motorists, the section of road was left in a worse condition than before the attempted repair.

Further along the route towards Scheepersnek, large sections of the road surface have also been dug out, with a stop-and-go system in place. Motorists said these dug-out patches were, in some cases, even worse than the potholes themselves. It is estimated that there are currently about 30 such dug-out patches along that specific stretch of road.

Accidents heighten safety fears

Concerns about the condition of the road intensified after an accident occurred on Saturday in the area where the potholes had been dug out. Eight people were reportedly injured in the crash. Another accident was also reported at the same location on Sunday evening.

Additional maintenance planned

In addition, a crack-sealing project has been scheduled to prevent further damage to the road surface.

“A dedicated crack-sealing project is set to begin in October and is expected to be completed by December. This intervention is aimed at extending the life-span of the road surface and preventing further deterioration,” Wela added.

The department has also completed road marking work on part of the route.

“In July 2025, road marking was completed along the 0-30km section. This forms part of our ongoing efforts to improve road safety and visibility for motorists,” he said. “We remain committed to improving the condition of our road network, and ensuring safe and reliable travel for all road users,” Wela concluded.

Motorists remain sceptical

Despite these assurances, some motorists who travel the route daily remain sceptical.

“Often sections of the road are dug out and not even properly cordoned off. Random cones are just left in the road as some sort of warning,” said one motorist who frequently uses the route between Dundee and Vryheid.

Riona Gokool, DA spokesperson for Transport, said she has been in contact with the Transport Department regarding the condition of the R33.

“I will also be raising the issue in Parliament and asking questions,” she said.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.