The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has announced that controlled blasting will take place on the N2 national road between KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
The blast is scheduled for approximately 17.5 km from KwaBhaca when travelling towards EmaXesibeni.
Motorists travelling from Kokstad to Mthatha are advised to use alternative routes:
- Exit the N2 at Kokstad and take the R56 via Matatiele to Nqanarhu (Mount Fletcher), then follow the R396 route to Tsolo before rejoining the N2.
- Alternatively, motorists can travel via Flagstaff and Lusikisiki to Port St Johns on the R61, and then rejoin the N2 in Mthatha.
Travellers heading in the opposite direction, from Mthatha to Kokstad, are advised to use the same routes.
According to SANRAL, the shortest alternative route is 69 km longer and could add around 50 minutes to the journey between Mthatha and Kokstad.
“Motorists are asked to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes, and exercise caution on the roads,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Eastern Cape Provincial Head.
