Pretoria - Government has established a National Joint Operations Committee to deal with the current icy conditions that have gripped some roads in certain parts of the country.
The move follows the heavy snowfalls and rain across parts of the Eastern Cape and part of KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in the closure of several roads.
The committee includes representatives from the National Disaster Management Centre of the Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs, Provincial Disaster Management, the Road Traffic Management Corporation, South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force, South African National Roads Agency Limited and N3TC.
"Over the past 24 hours, extremely heavy snowfalls and rain have been experienced across large parts of the country, resulting in the closure of various roads," said Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele.
Ndebele said since yesterday, Emergency Services personnel have been working around the clock to ensure that the affected roads and road users are safe.
He urged motorists to drive with caution. "We are calling upon all motorists to stay alert, slow down and stay in control.
"Drive with your headlamps on at all times and adjust your driving habits to the prevailing weather conditions. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to avoid situations where you may have to brake suddenly on a slippery surface."
Ndebele further urged motorists, who are planning to travel between Johannesburg and Durban, to postpone their trips until the snow subsides and weather conditions improve.
"Every effort is being made to ensure safe roads and to provide an efficient road maintenance and public safety service to road users," he said.
Road users may call 083 343 9565 or 071 680 3448 (all hours) for any information on road closures, alternative routes, weather patterns, emergencies and tips on driving in adverse conditions.
The N3TC Route Control Centre may also be reached on 0800 63 4357 regarding the N3 between Cedara and Heidelberg.
Snow in South Africa is relatively rare and as such, vehicles and motorists are ill equipped to handle what is a very dangerous driving condition.
Acting CEO of the RTMC Collins Letsoalo said: "We appeal to all road users to exercise caution and not to take any unnecessary risks.
"Even if you are driving a car fitted with the best of active and passive safety features, be constantly aware of your surroundings."
