The province is severely disrupted, with several schools, bridges, and roads impacted by the floods. The D2296 road between Karino and Tekwane South is among those affected, temporarily closed after a culvert collapse on January 12.

MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, has inspected the severe flood damage in the province, highlighting the extensive impact on government infrastructure, private households, and businesses. He also confirmed that six bridges across the province have collapsed due to the heavy storms.

READ | “I failed my sweetheart”- husband of woman swept away by water

The situation is expected to worsen as the South African Weather Services(SAWS) has issued a Red Level 10 warning, the highest alert level, indicating a high risk of severe flooding and danger to life in areas including Nkomazi, Mbombela, and Bushbuckridge.
This warning follows several days of intense rainfall, which has already saturated catchment areas, rivers, and dams, increasing the likelihood of widespread flooding.

“Disruptive rain with further heavy downpours leading to widespread flooding, resulting in danger to life due to fast-flowing streams, displacement of communities, and widespread damage to settlements or structures over the northern escarpment and the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, as well as the southern Lowveld of Limpopo,” reported SAWS in a statement.

ALSO READ | Classes halted due to heavy rainfall

Rainfall totals of 100-200mm are expected, leading to widespread flooding, displacement, and damage to homes and structures. Consequently, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution, avoiding flooded roads, bridges, and rivers. More stable conditions are expected from January 20 onwards.

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The graduates include 96 officers whose enrolment at the Mpumalanga Traffic College was abruptly terminated in 2021 following corruption allegations. Provincial government suspended the learnership programme after allegations of misconduct and corruption were levelled against officials, including claims that unqualified students were enrolled.

Consequently, the programme was put on hold and students were sent home, but were given a chance to continue early this year after a thorough investigation, finally completing the 12-month programme.

READ | https://mpmirroronline.co.za/mp-traffic-college-intake-nullified-by-premier/

MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, and Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC, Thulasizwe Thomo handed over certificates to the graduates at the Mpumalanga Traffic Training College’s 6th Passout Parade in Mkhuhlu yesterday, December 18, 2025.

Macie applauded the newly-appointed officers, stating that their appointment is expected to bolster traffic law enforcement in the province and contribute towards the reduction of road crashes and fatalities.

“Today, it’s a proud and significant day for the province of Mpumalanga. We gather here not simply to parade uniforms, but to formally present disciplined and committed public servants, who will serve on the frontline for our road safety, law enforcement and community protection,” said MEC Macie.

In an interview with Mpumalanga Mirror, the graduate traffic officers said the suspension of the programme in 2021 had made their lives difficult. They were unable to secure jobs as they were already on the government system, and it was disheartening to know that some of them had followed the correct application processes.

“Going to college and coming back without completing made us a laughing stock in our communities. But we’re excited that we’ve finally graduated and are ready to serve,” said Lifeman Tibane, one of the graduates.

ALSO READ | https://mpmirroronline.co.za/newly-trained-traffic-officers-to-be-deployed-for-service/

Another graduate, Confidence Mabuza, added: “Our families were expecting us to come home and change our situations, but going back without completing made life tougher. Some of us were drowning in depression, but today I’m feeling proud, even though some of us are over the required age of 35. We’re grateful we got a second chance.”

The graduates will resume their duties in various Cost Centres across the province in January 2026.

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The handover ceremony took place at the Mbombela Local Municipality Council Chamber, where he was joined by the Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, and the MEC for Social Development, Brenda Moeketsi.

The properties, previously vacant, will be repurposed as shelters for victims of GBV. According to the ministry, the properties are strategically located in Badplaas (5), Lothair (4), and Delmas (1). These shelters will provide crucial support and protection to those in need, offering a safe haven for victims to rebuild their lives.

READ | Provincial Government declares war on GBVF

During his address, the Minister emphasised the importance of giving survivors a chance to regain their lives after enduring trauma.

“Handing over these government properties is about giving people the opportunity to heal. It’s also about hope and restoring dignity. It’s essential that we give survivors who have endured trauma from GBV the chance to regain their lives,” he said.

MEC for Social Development, Brenda Moeketsi, expressed her enthusiasm about the positive impact of the shelters on GBV victims in the province.

“These facilities will provide a safe space and supportive environment where victims can receive the help and care they need to heal and move forward,” said Moeketsi.

READ | GBV victim vents out two years later

Following the handover, Minister Macpherson hosted an infrastructure imbizo in Nelsville Community Hall, where he engaged with the community and addressed their concerns regarding infrastructure challenges. “We will work tirelessly to deliver and meet all your needs,” he assured the community.

The handing over of these properties marks a significant milestone in the fight against GBV in Mpumalanga, providing a safe and supportive environment for victims and contributing to a more compassionate and caring community.

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This was further highlighted by the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie who said the
main objective this weekend is putting a lot of emphasis on safety on the roads.

“We will exert a lot of pressure in ensuring that people and vehicles are safe on our roads from the eve of Easter on Thursday until Easter Monday and going forward. In order to ensure that safety is the order of the day, we’ve introduced a machinery that will test the eligibility of all vehicles that they are mechanically right to be on our roads throughout our main routes in all our major roads leading in and out of the province to neighbouring ones, including en route to Eswatini and Mozambique, too.”

READ | Premier calls on drivers to adhere to road rules

He added that traffic officials will be vigilant and very visible conducting stop and search and examining each vehicle.

“As the long weekend kicks-off, motorists must ensure they rest every two hours and enjoy our amenities during their instead of rushing. Come Monday when everyone returns home or back to their respective work areas, they will all be in one piece and well rested and safe,” concluded Macie.

MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo assured road users that his department has ensured that all road networks are in good order through the department’s Kubhunya Lutfuli initiative to ease driving on the roads.

READ | City Of Mbombela sets wheels in motion to ensure road safety

“All the major routes will be compatible for all vehicles to use, including tourists on their routes. My message to road users is to exercise maximum caution and adhere to speed limits and rules and regulations on the roads in order to save lives.
“Compared to 2023, last year the province improved its efficiency with a small margin, but I’m hoping for a better improvement with lower accident figures this year,” he said.

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This is part of the Road Safety Awareness Campaign that seeks to ensure rules of the road are adhered to at all times. “We agreed as a department to raise awareness to drivers prior the long weekend. They should always prioritise the passengers’ safety and be aware that speed kills. We call on them to avoid speed, overloading and make sure passengers arrive to their destinations,” said Ndlovu.

READ | City Of Mbombela sets wheels in motion to ensure road safety

While interacting with passengers, Ndlovu said he was pleased to get positive feedback. “As much as passengers are satisfied, they did raise a few concerns which include visibility and traffic congestion which we will look into. The aim is to have have zero fatalities because one death, is one too many,” said the MEC.

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