The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has issued a traffic advisory notifying road users of scheduled blasting on the N2 national road between KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) and eMaxesibeni (Mount Ayliff).

The blasting is set to take place on Tuesday, 29 April 2025 at 12h00, approximately 2.9 kilometres outside of Mount Frere when travelling in the direction of Mount Ayliff. In the interest of public safety, the road will be closed for a maximum of 30 minutes during the operation.

Motorists travelling between Kokstad and Mthatha are encouraged to consider alternative routes to avoid delays. Recommended detours include exiting the N2 at Matatiele to Mount Fletcher, or rerouting via Flagstaff and Lusikisiki to Port St Johns using the R61, before rejoining the N2 in Mthatha. Similarly, motorists travelling in the opposite direction—from Mthatha towards Kokstad—can follow the same alternatives in reverse.

According to SANRAL, the shortest alternative route is approximately 69 kilometres longer and may add up to 50 minutes to the overall travel time between Mthatha and Kokstad.

“Motorists are asked to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and to use caution when making use of the road,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Eastern Cape Provincial Head.

SANRAL has apologised for any inconvenience caused and has assured the public that the blasting forms part of essential roadworks aimed at improving travel conditions and road safety along this section of the N2.