Limpopo prepares for surge in festive traffic as 700 buses head to Moria for Christmas services

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety says it is ready to monitor traffic as it expects 700 buses to arrive at Moria for the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Christmas services, starting from Wednesday.

Traffic congestion across the province and nationwide has been rising sharply as festive season activities accelerate.

The head of Limpopo Traffic Police, Tshiwandalani Allen Matsila, outlined the province’s readiness to manage the expected surge in vehicles.

“As a province, we are expecting a huge increase in traffic volume,” Matsila said on Wednesday.

“Together with local municipalities and the National Traffic Police, we have developed a coordinated plan to manage the anticipated congestion entering our towns.”

Since November, law enforcement agencies, alongside the border management authority, have been preparing to ensure smooth traffic flow. 

Matsila said key areas expecting heavy traffic, includes Makhado, Thulamela, Giyani, Tzaneen, Ba-Phalaborwa, Burgersfort Road, Jane Furse, Mokopane, Polokwane, and Mankweng.

He confirmed that law enforcement officers have been deployed to major routes such as the N11 near Mwalakweng to assist with traffic monitoring.

“About 700 buses are expected at Moria for the ZCC Christmas services starting this afternoon, and they will depart on December 26,” Matsila said. 

“We are ready to manage both the buses and the heavy flow of traffic throughout the province.”

Matsila also emphasised pedestrian safety, saying that hotspots where pedestrians have been previously killed are being monitored by law enforcement officers. 

“We urge all pedestrians to cross roads safely so that we do not continue to lose lives on our roads,” he said.

He said Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has agreed to coordinate efforts from local authorities up to the provincial level to ensure safety throughout the festive season.

Earlier on Wednesday, five people were killed in a major crash on the R518 at the Mosesetjane crossing near Mokopane. 

Two people were seriously injured, four critically injured, and one sustained minor injuries.

Preliminary investigations suggest a Hyundai light delivery vehicle lost control and collided with a bridge. 

The R518 between Mopane and Marken has been temporarily closed to allow emergency teams to clear the scene.

Departmental spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala urged motorists to plan alternative routes and exercise extreme caution. 

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.

IOL News