Eastern Cape: The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has advised road users that blasting is scheduled to take place on the N2 national road between KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni in the Eastern Cape. The blasting will occur on Friday, 13 June 2025, at 12pm, approximately 8.8 kilometres from KwaBhaca when travelling towards EmaXesibeni. The road will be closed during the blasting activities for a maximum of 30 minutes.
According to South African Government News Agency, motorists are asked to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes, and exercise caution when using the road. Motorists travelling from Kokstad towards Mthatha may consider the following alternative routes: taking the R56 route past Matatiele and Tlokoeng until Nqanqarhu, then taking the R396 towards Tsolo until joining the N2, and proceeding to Mthatha. Another option is to stay on the N2 until Pakade, then turn left onto the R394 and join the R61 at Magusheni, slip right onto the R61 towards Flagstaff, Lusikisiki, and Port St Johns, and then rejoin the N2 in Mthatha. Similarly, motorists travelling from Mthatha towards Kokstad may use the same routes.
The shortest alternative route is 69 kilometres longer and may add approximately 50 minutes to the journey between Mthatha and Kokstad.
