Magoebaskloof R71 repairs stuck in first gear

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13-03-2026
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Letaba Herald
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Repair plans for the damaged R71 Magoebaskloof Pass remain delayed, with residents warning the situation could impact safety and tourism.

TZANEEN – Motorists travelling along the R71 Magoebaskloof pass continue to face uncertainty as road repair plans remain delayed, despite earlier assurances that construction of a collapsed section would begin in 2025.

The road suffered structural damage earlier last year following heavy rainfall.

Since then, stop-and-go traffic control has been in place to manage the affected section and ensure motorist safety.

An all too familiar scene on Magoebaskloof pass. The photo was taken by motorist Jacques van Schalkwyk and posted on the Evac Emergency Dispatch WhatsApp group on February 26.

Reason for the delays

However, South African National Road Agency Limited (Sanral) has confirmed this week that the repair process has not yet progressed to the construction phase.

Sanral media relations manager Lwando Mahlasela said the agency is currently revising the designs for the repair work.

“As soon as that is completed, a request for quotations (RFQs) will be issued. The road is open to traffic, and there are no traffic delays or congestion,” he said.

Asked why the designs were being revised after Sanral previously told the Herald they had been completed and that construction tenders were expected to be issued in September last year, Mahlasela said the information provided was the latest available update.

Concerns from residents

Residents in the area say the road has long been associated with accidents, although driver behaviour is often the main cause. Magoebaskloof resident Kurt Wacker said accidents, big or small, happen daily.

“People want to drive the Magoebaskloof pass for the beauty it offers, but currently it looks like a construction site with no end in sight,” he said.

Wacker also warned that prolonged disruptions could negatively affect tourism in the Mopani district.

Deon van Tonder of Evac 911 told the Herald that, according to callout statistics on his Evac Emergency Despatch WhatsApp group, the organisation responded to seven callouts in January and 13 in February, ranging from vehicle breakdowns to accidents.

An emergency responder told the Herald that although the R71 is often labelled one of the most dangerous roads in the province, this classification includes other sections of the route.

“The high number of fatalities often recorded along the R71 includes areas such as Mankweng, where mixed traffic conditions involving taxis, buses, and private vehicles contribute to accidents.”

Another concern raised by emergency responders is the lack of enforcement against heavy vehicles that are instructed to use the alternative Georges Valley Road.