The decision to completely close the road was taken following an on-site assessment conducted by the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, together with the Executive Mayor of Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, Friddah Nkadimeng today.

The department says the closure is a necessary safety intervention aimed at protecting road users and enabling them to address the situation with urgency and without any disturbance.

READ | R72.4M allocated to revitalise severely damaged schools

The MEC said the safety of road users remains the highest priority. “Following a thorough assessment of the R533, we took a decisive decision to close the road to prevent potential loss of life and allow our technical teams to work speedily and effectively to restore the road to a safe condition,” said Thomo.

All road users travelling to and from Bushbuckridge are advised to use the alternative route from Graskop via Sabie to Hazyview until further notice.

The department will continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep the public informed. Road users will be notified once the road is declared safe and reopened for traffic.

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At the forefront of this movement is the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, which is taking the lead in transforming the sector. As such, taxi associations across the province are breathing a sigh of relief as the department has been on a mission to deliver Operating Licences directly to them.

In a statement, the department highlighted that this initiative aligns with its commitment to bringing services closer to the people, saving operators the trip to departmental offices for licences.

Moreover, the department noted that this effort is in line with the provisions of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), ensuring that all public transport operators are duly authorised and compliant with national transport regulations.

READ | WATCH: Nelspruit Bus Terminus renamed in tribute to ‘Matsebula Brothers’

“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to efficient service delivery and responsive governance,” said MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo.

“We understand that operators are key partners in moving our people safely and efficiently. By delivering these Operating Licences directly to them, we are reducing administrative burdens and strengthening trust between government and the public transport industry.”

The department’s approach is expected to improve compliance, benefiting passengers and contributing to a more organised and efficient public transport system in the province. The distribution campaign will continue until October 30, 2025.

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MEC Thulasizwe Thomo announced the project during a visit to Mgwenyane Primary School on September 5, where he also introduced the appointed contractor responsible for its implementation.

Speaking during the briefing, MEC Thomo highlighted the project’s significance, noting that the budget should also support communities and disadvantaged learners with essential school supplies. “We’re here to hand over a contractor for the school’s reconstruction, which is part of our program,” he said. “We’re looking at about 15 severely damaged schools in the province. This marks a crucial milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve education infrastructure across the province.”

The briefing was also attended by the Executive Mayor of the City of Mbombela, Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, who welcomed the project and lauded it as a long-awaited development aimed at improving the school’s infrastructure facility within the Ward.

“We’ve had numerous complaints from the school over the years about infrastructure issues, we’re grateful the department is taking action with this project to make the needed improvements,” she added.

READ | Mpumalanga Premier pledges to tackle service delivery issues

The scope of the project at Mgwenyane Primary School includes demolishing old toilets and classrooms, renovating existing classrooms and the computer lab, and building new structures such as an administration block, extra classrooms, a library, kitchen, and guardhouse. Additionally, the project includes landscaping and external works to enhance the school’s overall look and functionality.

This significant investment is expected to positively impact the province’s education system, benefiting learners and communities.

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The investigation revealed that Mkhabela is one of the senior management officials who awarded multi-million Rand COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tenders to suppliers who did not deliver the services. These suppliers paid substantial kickbacks to the senior management officials and their family members in different ways.

According to the SIU the investigation uncovered multiple instances of corruption, fraud, theft, and money laundering committed by senior managers and service providers involved in procuring PPE disinfection services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the SIU’s consequence management recommendations, the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport charged Mkhabela with misconduct, which resulted in his dismissal.

READ | https://mpmirroronline.co.za/public-works-senior-officials-services-providers-busted-for-r52-million-ppe-corruption/

In July 2024, the High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division, Mbombela, granted an order to seize various assets and properties valued at approximately R52.6 million.

These assets are linked to 22 senior management officials, service providers, and entities involved in an alleged corruption network within the department, including Mkhabela.

Under this court order, the following assets belonging to Mkhabela were frozen:

• His bank account, where his salary was deposited

• His home

• VW Tiguan 2018

• Mercedes Benz

• VW POLO 2020

• Cellphones (Samsung and iPhone)

• MAC Book Laptop

• Microwave

• Fridge

• Washing machine

• Television

Mkhabela is currently facing prosecution as the SIU referred him for criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority. The matter is currently being tried at the Commercial Crimes Court in Mbombela.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU referred criminal evidence to the NPA and Hawks for further investigation.

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