Authorities urge South Africans to check the weather and avoid peak travel as storms and heavy traffic loom

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged motorists to factor in adverse weather conditions and heavy traffic volumes as millions of South Africans begin their festive-season travel from today, the final day of the 2025 school calendar.

High traffic volumes are expected on all major routes as families travel between provinces and to neighbouring SADC countries. Wedding celebrations, end-of-year functions, imigidi and festive shopping are also expected to add pressure on the country’s roads. With a public holiday falling on Tuesday, many workers are anticipated to take leave on Monday, creating a de-facto long weekend.

According to the RTMC, traffic is forecast to rise steadily over the coming days, with a significant surge expected from December 19 - 21, and again on December 23 and 24. Further increases are anticipated from Friday, December 26, ahead of year-end celebrations on December 31. Most holidaymakers are expected to return home in early January, with peak volumes predicted between January 2 and 4, 2026.

The RTMC said motorists should prepare for difficult driving conditions as storms threaten large parts of the country. “The South African Weather Services has predicted thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across many parts of the country,” the agency said. “Motorists should avoid driving when the rain affect visibility and reduce speed.”

Drivers are also urged to plan around the busiest periods. “Motorists are further advised to plan their journeys to take place outside peak periods to avoid congestion which could lead to driver frustration and impatience.”

Law-enforcement operations will be stepped up across all major routes. “Traffic-law enforcement will be intensified this weekend during all the peak travel periods to deal with bad driver behaviour, overloading and vehicle roadworthiness,” the RTMC said. “Drunk driving operations will also be undertaken on all major routes and in residential areas to reduce crashes and fatalities.”

Awareness efforts will also be increased. “Road safety education and awareness campaigns will be intensified in at-risk communities, rest stops and filling stations along the highways in an attempt to reduce the high number of pedestrian fatalities.”

The RTMC warned that motorists driving without number plates “will be prevented from continuing with their journeys until the number plates are properly affixed”, and said heavy fines will apply.

All road users have been urged to play their part in reducing crashes. “Alcohol and cellphone usage must be avoided when driving. Speed regulations must be respected at all times. All passengers must wear seatbelt and children be place on appropriate child restraints,” the statement said.

Pedestrians were also advised that they “must avoid using the roads under the influence of alcohol, they must use pedestrian bridges to cross the roads and wear bright clothes when walking at night”.