The Democratic Alliance (DA) will write to the Mpumalanga MEC of Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, demanding that immediate attention be given to critical maintenance of the R540 Road between Dullstroom and Thaba Chweu, this is after American tourists were injured in a bus accident this week.
According to reports, a tour bus carrying 10 Americans and their tour guide veered off the R540 road on Wednesday afternoon and crashed. It was reported that two Americans sustained minor injuries and were treated at the Belfast (eMakhazeni) hospital, while the others were not hurt.
The DA expresses its deepest concern over this recent accident. This tragic incident underscores the longstanding safety concerns that we have repeatedly raised with the provincial government regarding the deteriorating condition of this road.
The DA has also consistently engaged MEC Thomo on this issue, highlighting the urgent need for intervention on the R540 to prevent these kinds of accidents; but the Provincial Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport has done little to address the deteriorating condition of this road. This eventually forced the National Government to hand over maintenance of this road to the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL).
The road is full of potholes, has uneven surfaces, and insufficient road markings have created hazardous conditions – increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Motorists are forced to navigate these treacherous conditions, leading to delays, frustration, and additional costs due to vehicle repairs. The impact is not only felt by individuals but also by businesses reliant on efficient transportation.
While the road may now fall under SANRAL’s jurisdiction, the DA remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring its rehabilitation. We will not allow jurisdictional handovers to become an excuse for inaction. While we await SANRAL to fulfill its mandate, we will be formally forwarding this matter to MEC Thomo to request that immediate attention be given to critical maintenance and safety interventions in the interim.
The DA will leave no stone unturned in holding those responsible to account. Infrastructure failures directly impact our economy, tourism sector, and most importantly, human lives. We call on SANRAL and the provincial government to act with urgency before more lives are put at risk.