By Celani Sikhakhane
- The Sani Pass route into Lesotho is closed after heavy snow hit the Drakensberg from Thursday night, with no reopening date confirmed yet.
- KZN’s disaster management teams are on the ground after a storm damaged homes and uprooted trees in the uMlalazi area near Eshowe.
If you are planning to cross into Lesotho through KwaZulu-Natal, turn back. The Sani Pass is closed.
Heavy snow began falling on the Drakensberg side of the mountains on Thursday night. Temperatures have dropped sharply across the region, and the KZN Department of CoGTA says the route will remain shut until it is declared safe.
“Motorists and travellers from KZN intending to cross into Lesotho are advised to suspend their trips until the route is declared safe,” the department said.
“Temperatures have plummeted significantly, particularly in areas surrounding the Drakensberg.”
The same storm brought damage further north. Trees came down and homes were damaged in the uMlalazi area near Eshowe.
The KZN Provincial Disaster Management Centre says emergency teams are on the ground, and the full picture of what was destroyed will only be clear once formal assessments are done.
CoGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi urged residents to take care as they try to keep warm.
“If you are using braziers or generators, ensure they are operated safely and in well-ventilated spaces to avoid tragedy,” Buthelezi said.
“Protect our children, keep them far away from heat-producing appliances and never leave them unattended.”
Disaster management teams are working with municipalities across the province. All drivers are urged to slow down on roads that may be icy or slippery.
Pictured above: Heavy snow closed the Sani Pass route into Lesotho as a storm brought down trees and damaged homes in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Image source: KZN CoGTA
