This decision follows a comprehensive assessment conducted after the recent heavy rainfall that affected parts of the tourism sector in the province. The safety of visitors remains a top priority; therefore, visitors are urged to exercise caution when exploring the attraction sites, as some roads may still be slippery due to persistent rainfall.

MTPA employees will be on the ground to assist visitors at all facilities, and tourists are kindly requested to adhere to all safety rules and guidelines during their visit.

READ | Province sees rise in tourist numbers over festive season

The agency also encourages tourists visiting Mpumalanga to explore other attraction sites across the province, including those
in the Nkangala and Gert Sibande regions.

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This year the province marked the 10th anniversary of the annual cultural festival, which showcases a rich heritage, music and culture. The festivities of the event started from 22 November to 7 December 2025 across the Nkangala, Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande Districts. They included the Kasi Xperience, the vibrant Carnival Xperience, the Choral Xperience, Soul Session, the 013 Summer Blaze, the Traditional and Marathon Xperience as well as the Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards.

The activities attracted hundreds of patrons, including citizens from neighboring countries such as Mozambique and the Kingdom of eSwatini. According to MEC Mabuza the success of the event signifies Mpumalanga’s capability to host successful events.

READ | MPUCE song officially launched

“The success of the Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience is testament to a solid collaboration between the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR) and various departments within the Provincial Government. It signifies our shared vision aimed at repositioning Mpumalanga as a premier cultural and tourism destination in the country,” MEC Mabuza said.

She says the success of the 2025 Cultural Experience has reaffirmed Mpumalanga’s reputation as the place of the rising sun and the heartbeat of cultural excellence in South Africa. She added that the activities have left a significant legacy economically.

“At the core of the Cultural Experience is a strategy to showcase Mpumalanga’s tourism attraction sites, for patrons to visit
beyond the festivities. This is essential for them to visit and spend money in our accommodation facilities, which in turn contributes towards the province’s economic growth trajectory, aimed at job creation and reducing poverty,” MEC Mabuza explained.

ALSO READ | Exclusive interview with DCSR on MPUCE

Mabuza further attributed the success of the cultural experience to the good conduct of the patrons throughout the cultural experience programme. She says the warmth reception of visitors and the world class event management is a legacy that will remain in their memories for them to come back in the future

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READ | #RIPDeborahFraser | Tributes pour in for Deborah Fraser

Nkosi also served as the Chief Whip of the Gert Sibande District Municipality. “We extend our heartfelt words of condolences to his family, comrades, friends, the ANC, its Leagues and the alliance. To the broader civil society in the Gert Sibande Region. Our prayers are with the family in this difficult period,” read the ANC statement.

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The province recorded 189 fatalities. The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison compared this to the previous period of 142 fatalities. Nkangala District has contributed about 73 fatalities, followed by Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande districts with 61 and 55 deaths, respectively.

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About 427 people sustained serious injuries across the province. 89 passengers lost their lives while crashes killed 60 drivers. About 37 pedestrians also lost their lives.

“Most of the fatalities were head-on collisions, with the province recording about 41 of them. The accidents fatally wounded about 48 people compared to last year’s 19.”

READ MORE | Six people die on R38 accident

The roads that contributed to the number of fatal crashes include the N4, R573, R38, R544, R23, R40, N2 and some identified municipal roads.

“One death is one too many. That is why these figures should not discourage but should spur us into working even harder to make our roads safe. This means we have to tighten and redouble our efforts towards making our roads safer,” said MEC Vusi Shongwe.

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“The Third Phase of the Covid-19 Relief Fund is aimed at assisting artists and athletes, who could not earn a living out these sectors after the country was moved to Adjusted Alert Level 1 in December 2020. The 61 public libraries will make it easy for the practitioners to submit their applications as government has made human and technological resources available,” explains the department’s Sibongile Nkosi.

According to Nkosi, 24 public libraries in Ehlanzeni District will open its doors to assist applicants, Nkangala District will use 25 of libraries and Gert Sibande 12. In Ehlanzeni, applicants can contact David Mthethwa on 071 146 3824, Nkangala Lucky Sibiya on 064 890 9165 and Lindokuhle Simelane in Gert Sibande on072 183 0442.

Applications are now open and close on February 22 (visit www.dac.gov.za or www.srsa.gov.za to apply). All Covid-19 safety and health prootocols will be adhered to at the libraries. “We understand that our people do not have resources at their disposal and we trust this move will make it easy for them to apply for the relief fund, which is open to people who make a living out of the sport and entertainment sectors,” says Nkosi

The complete lists of libraries is as follows: (Ehlanzeni) White River, Acornhoek, Mafemani, Shatale, Barberton, Emjindini, Hazyview,  Kabokweni, KaNyamazane, Matsulu, Masoyi, Mbombela, Mashishing, Msogwaba, Kamhlushwa, Komatipoort, Malelane, Lydenburg Regional Library, Mbombela Regional Library, Graskop, Leroro, Lydenburg, Sabie and Simile.

(Nkangala): Libangeni, Maphotla, Marapyane, Siyabuswa, Emakhazeni, Emthonjeni, Entokozweni, Jeremiah Madonsela, Funda, Siyathuthuka, Emalahleni Main Library, Klarinet, Klipfontein, Lynville, Chromville, Doornkop, Gerald Sekoto, Nazareth, Pullenshope, Rietkuil, Boekenhoethoek, Verena, Botleng, Delmas and Sundra. 

(Gert Sibande): Ekulindeni, Khululwazi, Badplaas, Elukwatini, Ezenzeleni, Silindile, Breyten, Cassim Park, Chrissiesmeer, Ermelo, Kwazanele, Ermelo Regional Library.

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READ: PHOTOS: Cyclone Eloise wracks havoc in Nkomazi

According to the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in Mpumalanga, although the province has survived Tropical Cyclone Eloise, which hit Mozambique, however, the province remains on high alert.

“MEC for COGTA, Mandla Msibi says the Department will continue to monitor the weather patterns to respond to potential life threatening emergency cases. All our disaster management systems remain on high alert. Our roads are slippery and we urge road-users to drive carefully. Those in the proximity of rivers and dams must monitor the water levels to evacuate,” said Msibi. 

ALSO READ: Roofs blown off by thunderstorms in Nkomazi

He further cautioned communities not to risk their lives by crossing bridges and walking under power lines. He further warned against the circulation of fake news that may cause panic and anxiety. Apart from the contingency plans, Councillors, Community Development Workers and the Disaster Toll Free Number have been activated to respond to distressed communities.

However, no major incidents have been reported since the heavy rain started, sporadic cases of damaged houses have been reported at Mkhuhlu in Bushbuckridge Municipality.

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