Northern Cape Premier must intervene over R369 collapse and heavy ore truck traffic
AfriForum requests that the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, urgently intervene to curb the deterioration of the R369 and other roads in the central Northern Cape due to the continuous flow of heavy manganese ore trucks.
The R369, which runs through Orania between Hopetown and Petrusville, is the only tarred road connection between Orania and the rest of South Africa. According to residents and regular road users, the condition of this road has deteriorated drastically in recent years due to the constant traffic of heavy trucks transporting raw manganese ore from the Hotazel-Kuruman region to the port at Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
“The condition of the R369 has deteriorated to such an extent that motorists often have to drive at a snail’s pace to avoid damage to their vehicles. Potholes, uneven road surfaces and safety risks have become a daily reality for residents and visitors,” says Thomas van Dalen, AfriForum’s Northern Cape regional head.
Van Dalen further points out that similar damage is also visible on sections of the N12 between Hopetown, Strydenburg, Britstown, De Aar and Hanover, as well as on the R369 between Petrusville, Philipstown and Hanover. The increasing pressure on these roads not only affects road safety, but also local economic activity, tourism, agriculture and the general quality of life of communities along the route.
In his letter to the Premier, Van Dalen requests clarity on the status of the planned upgrade of the R369 between Hopetown and Vanderkloof, which according to available information was originally scheduled for 2026, but was later postponed to 2027. AfriForum also asks that the Prime Minister confirm whether any investigations have been initiated into allegations of possible irregularities that could have further delayed the project.
AfriForum requested the Premier to indicate what steps the provincial government is taking to rehabilitate the road network, improve road safety and investigate possible alternative freight transport solutions, including increased rail transport, to relieve the pressure on the provincial roads.
“The condition of these roads has reached a point where it is no longer simply an infrastructure issue, but a matter of public safety and economic sustainability. The communities that depend on these roads daily deserve answers and action,” Van Dalen concludes.
