Alarming surge in road fatalities in KZN sparks urgent warning as holidaymakers head home

: KZN in for more heavy rain, authorities warn, after at least 40 people die in floods over December and January. Floodwater damage in KZN. (Photo: Supplied)

By Ethan van Diemen

7 Jan 2025

One week into the new year, heavy rains have led to road accidents and the destruction of property.

Barely one week into 2025, at least 10 people have died on the roads in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Heavy rains have been linked to road accidents and flooding, contributing to fatalities and the destruction of homes.

In a statement on Monday, 6 January 2025, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, expressed grave concern over the situation, confirming an alarming rise in road accidents and reports of flooding in low-lying areas.

Duma said that since 1 January, at least 10 lives had been lost on the province’s roads with slippery conditions on major routes, including the N3 and N2, having been exacerbated by torrential downpours.

“A highly dedicated team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate working with municipalities is monitoring the flow of traffic across all major routes to ensure the safety of motorists,” said Duma.

As relates to housing, the MEC said that “working with a team from the national Department of Human Settlements, we are currently intervening in municipalities where heavy rainfall and strong winds resulted in the destruction of houses”, and that “about eight temporary residential units are being procured to assist families whose houses were totally destroyed in Nkandla. Four other families will receive building material.”

Heavy rain in KZN has resulted in fast-flowing rivers and flood damage. (Photo: TrafficSA / X)

At least 40 people have died in flooding in KZN over December and January. (Photo: Supplied)

Authorities have warned of more potential damage in KZN through Wednesday, 8 January 2025. (Photo: Supplied)

The MEC’s remarks followed a level 8 weather warning from the South African Weather Service (Saws), which cautioned that large parts of KZN could experience “disruptive rainfall” through Wednesday, 8 January 2025.

“The likelihood of a significant increase in rainfall accumulation is suggested, with amounts ranging from 50mm to 70mm. To this effect, road flooding, slippery surfaces, and broad flash flooding are possible,” Saws said.

According to the service, “forecasts indicate that adverse weather conditions will lead to the overflow of low-water bridges, localised flooding, and possible disruptions to major routes across KwaZulu-Natal when holidaymakers are returning home.”

The warning came a day before the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reiterated its call for motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving in rainy conditions following a multi-vehicle collision that claimed 18 lives on the N3 between Van Reenen and Tugela Plaza.

According to the RTMC, “a truck, a minibus and light motor vehicle collided, resulting in the death of 13 adults and five children. One baby escaped with serious injuries.” DM

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