N2 closures near KwaBhaca to disrupt travel with planned blasting

Motorists travelling between KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni on the N2 should expect delays later this month as planned blasting operations will temporarily close the road.

According to the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), the N2 will be closed for up to 30 minutes on two separate days — 24 April 2026 and 27 April 2026. The blasting will take place a few kilometres outside KwaBhaca in the direction of EmaXesibeni.

The closures are expected to affect traffic moving between Kokstad and Mthatha, a key route used by Eastern Cape residents, long-distance taxi operators, delivery services, and cross-border travellers.

SANRAL has advised motorists to plan ahead and consider alternative routes. However, the shortest detour is significantly longer — adding about 69 kilometres and roughly 50 minutes to travel time between Mthatha and Kokstad.

Alternative routes include passing through Matatiele, Nqanarhu, and Tsolo, or using the R61 via Flagstaff, Lusikisiki and Port St Johns before rejoining the N2 near Mthatha. A map included in the advisory (page 2) shows these extended routes stretching across parts of the Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal.

For many in Pondoland and surrounding areas, this route disruption could impact daily movement, especially for workers, patients travelling to hospitals, and small businesses relying on transport between towns.

SANRAL has urged drivers to use caution, expect delays, and adjust travel plans accordingly. The agency also apologised for the inconvenience caused.

While blasting is often linked to road upgrades or maintenance, further details about the project itself have not been confirmed.

For now, the key message for Eastern Cape road users is simple: expect delays, leave earlier, and consider alternative routes where possible.

We will update this story as more information becomes available on the roadworks and any additional disruptions.