The festive season is here, and many are heading off on well-deserved breaks, often driving long distances across South Africa. Sadly, this time of year also sees a rise in road accidents and fatalities caused by reckless driving, drunk driving, and fatigue as travellers push themselves to reach their destinations without stopping to rest. While caution is essential for all road users, especially during the holiday season, certain roads in South Africa are notorious for accidents. Recent statistics from the Department of Transport reveal that road fatalities not only devastate families but also cost the country significant revenue. In 2023, 11 883 lives were lost on the roads, costing the economy a staggering R205 billion. Here are the most dangerous roads in South Africa. Unlike previous years, when poorer provinces often dominated the list, only the Northern Cape and Free State are exempt this time. If you’re travelling this holiday season, exercise extra caution when driving on these routes.
Mpumalanga: R573 Moloto Road, Kwamhlanga
The Moloto Road is infamous for accidents throughout the year and is considered South Africa’s most dangerous road. Despite being flat with good visibility, accidents and fatalities remain alarmingly high. Documentaries have highlighted the dangers of this road, but the reasons for the ongoing incidents remain unclear. A likely factor is road users failing to prioritise safety. If you are travelling on the Moloto Road during the festive season or at any time, take extra care and prioritise safety for yourself and other road users. In the same province, the N4 Vosman and N4 Nelspruit also have a high number of fatalities. If you’re heading to the bush for a well-deserved break, remain vigilant, drive carefully, and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
Eastern Cape: N2 Dutywa Eastern Cape
The road between East London and Idutywa remains notorious for accidents, despite ongoing improvements, particularly in the Kei Pass between Komga and Butterworth. Sadly, many lives are still lost due to reckless driving and negligence. Despite police patrols near the bridge, motorists often drive at dangerously high speeds, as if auditioning for Formula One. Other issues include unroadworthy vehicles, poor lighting at night, and livestock wandering onto the road. It’s safest to travel this route during the day and exercise extra caution. Other highly dangerous roads in the province include the N2 Mount Ayliff, R61 Mzamba, N2 Libode, and R61 Mthatha. These roads pass through rural villages, with no streetlights at night, poor visibility, and livestock posing significant risks to drivers.
Limpopo: R71 Mankweng
As people rush home to spend time with loved ones, many tragically don’t make it.
Despite numerous warnings and campaigns promoting safer driving, little seems to
change. Year after year, innocent lives are lost due to reckless driving. Be different this festive season and beyond—follow the rules of the road and ensure you don’t become another statistic. In this province, some of the most dangerous roads include the R37 Mecklenburg and the N1 Naboomspruit. While these roads have good infrastructure and increased police presence during the festive season, heavy traffic volumes—especially from travellers heading towards the Zimbabwean border—can lead to frustration and risky behaviour. Stay patient and drive safely.
KwaZulu-Natal: N2 Pongola
Nicknamed the “Coal Freeway,” this route is heavily used by truckers transporting
mostly coal between Mozambique and Richards Bay. Motorists often find themselves competing with heavily loaded trucks that drive recklessly, as if they were sports cars. Driving here can be nerve-wracking, requiring patience as trucks frequently overtake despite their loads. If possible, consider taking scenic alternative routes to avoid being stuck behind these trucks. The N2 Umkomaas is another high-risk road in the province, with a high accident rate. Exercise extra caution when travelling here.
North West: N12 Potchefstroom
The N12 is notorious for accidents, especially in Potchefstroom, where many motorists ignore road rules and speed through towns without regard for other road users. During the festive season and beyond, drivers are urged to stay alert and prioritise road safety to save lives. Another dangerous stretch is the N12 in Klerksdorp. Patience is key—drive safely and arrive alive.
Gauteng: R21 Kempton Park
The R21 in Kempton Park is Gauteng’s most dangerous road. It connects Pretoria to
Johannesburg via the R24 and OR Tambo International Airport, making it a vital and
busy route between economic hubs. Despite renovations to widen the road and ease congestion, fatalities remain alarmingly high. During the festive season, there is increased police visibility and road safety campaigns, but it is up to all road users, including pedestrians, to act responsibly and help save lives.
Western Cape: N2 Khayelitsha
This road serves as the gateway from Cape Town International Airport to the Cape
Winelands. If you’re heading to a holiday destination in the Cape, you’re likely to use
this popular and often busy route. If you plan to travel on this road during the festive season, drive cautiously and follow the rules of the road. To avoid the heavy traffic on the N2, consider alternative routes like the R310.
