The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety wishes to remind all motorists that the festive season is upon us and that the province will see a significant increase in traffic as the school year ends today.
With the Mapungubwe Festival taking place this Saturday, 13 December 2025, in Polokwane, thousands of travellers are expected to converge on the city, while many others will be heading north on the N1 north from Gauteng, passing through toward the Beitbridge border.
Motorists are urged to plan their journeys carefully, taking into account the adverse weather conditions forecast by the South African Weather Service, which predicts thunderstorms and heavy rain across the province.
Drivers should check the weather forecast before setting out, reduce speed when visibility is poor and avoid travelling during severe downpours.
To ease congestion on the N1, the well‑maintained R101 is recommended as an alternative route.
The department’s “Phuza Weekend” operations will be in full effect, with intensified traffic‑law enforcement during all peak travel periods to address reckless driving, over‑loading and vehicle unroadworthiness.
Drunk‑driving checkpoints will be conducted on major routes and in residential areas, and motorists found driving under the influence will face heavy fines and immediate removal from the road.
Road‑safety education will be stepped up at rest stops, filling stations and in at‑risk communities in an effort to reduce pedestrian fatalities.
All road users are asked to do their part by refraining from alcohol and cell‑phone use while driving, observing speed limits at all times, wearing seatbelts and ensuring that children are secured in appropriate child restraints.
Pedestrians should avoid using the roads while under the influence of alcohol, make use of pedestrian bridges and wear bright clothing when walking after dark.
Vehicles without properly affixed registration plates will be stopped and fined until the plates are correctly displayed.
The department thanks its partners, law‑enforcement agencies, transport operators and the public for their cooperation and wishes everyone a safe, joyful festive season.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
