Snow shuts Lesotho border crossing as BMA suspends operations

Heavy snowfall has forced the Border Management Authority (BMA) to temporarily suspend operations at the Qacha’s Nek Port of Entry in Matatiele, bringing cross-border travel between South Africa and Lesotho to a halt.

The closure comes as a bitter cold front continues to grip parts of the country, with snow blanketing sections of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State along the Lesotho border.

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BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi said the decision was taken after severe weather created unsafe operating conditions at the border post.

“This has necessitated the temporary suspension of daily operations, a decision taken in the interest of travellers, our staff and the entire border management community in the value chain.”

The suspension was implemented in consultation with authorities in Lesotho.

Mogotsi advised travellers and freight operators to delay their journeys where possible or make use of alternative routes.

“Travellers and commercial operators are advised to postpone their travel where possible. Alternatively, travellers can use Telle Bridge Port of Entry, which is located approximately 190km away,” Mogotsi said.

The BMA will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions improve. We urge the public to exercise caution and adhere to all official advisories.

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The border disruption comes as adverse weather continues to affect several provinces.

Earlier this week, KZN authorities activated emergency response plans as snowfall and heavy rain threatened road networks and vulnerable communities.

KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said emergency teams had been mobilised to deal with the severe weather.

“We have just received an updated weather report from the South African Weather Services,” Duma said.

“Accordingly, we have engaged with heads of both the Department of Transport and Human Settlements to ensure that our teams respond with agility to predicted severe weather patterns triggered by a cut-off low-pressure system.”

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Duma said graders had been deployed in line with the province’s snowfall response plan to prevent snow from accumulating beyond 30cm on major roads.

“As per the standard snowfall response plan, graders, working with Road Traffic Inspectorate Teams, would remove the snow before it could accumulate to above 30cm on the province’s road networks.”

Authorities have urged motorists and travellers to monitor weather updates and avoid unnecessary travel in areas affected by snow and icy conditions.