The R62 road (Section 7, km 21.5) between Kareedouw and Joubertina has collapsed due to ongoing severe weather conditions in the Eastern Cape.
According to the Department of Transport, this is the most significant road infrastructure damage recorded so far.
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Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha said the affected section of the road has been closed to traffic and is expected to remain closed for some time while detailed assessments and repair plans are completed.
“Motorists travelling to and from the Western Cape are advised to use the alternative route via the N2,” he said.
Nqatha said the Sarah Baartman district remains the centre of the severe weather conditions affecting the province.
Mudslides, rockfalls, flooding and rough sea-related road closures have been reported in and around Gqeberha, Humansdorp, Kareedouw, and surrounding areas.
“Despite snowfall in high-lying regions, all major mountain passes currently remain open to traffic. However, continuous monitoring and clean-up operations are underway across flood-prone and rockfall-affected routes throughout the province,” he said.
Nqatha said the collapse of the R62 is a major setback for road infrastructure in the province and could have serious economic consequences for farming communities in Joubertina and Kareedouw.
The communities supply produce to both local and international markets.
“We’re dealing with widespread weather-related damage across parts of the province, but the collapse of the R62 remains our single biggest infrastructure concern at this stage.
“Beyond the inconvenience to motorists, this route is critical to the agricultural economy of the region, and its disruption will inevitably have ripple effects on surrounding farming communities and supply chains,” said Nqatha.
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He said the department continues to work closely with disaster management teams, law enforcement agencies and other partners to monitor conditions and ensure public safety.
“Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, obey road closure signage, and exercise extreme caution as adverse weather conditions persist,” added the MEC.
