The Giyani Municipality has renewed its call for the expansion of the R81 road in Limpopo, citing severe congestion and safety concerns on one of the province’s key transport routes.
The R81 connects more than 90 villages and several towns in the Mopani District, serving as a major corridor linking Malamulele in the north to Polokwane and the N1 route to Gauteng.
Traffic congestion on the road has intensified during peak periods, with motorists reporting delays of more than three hours at Giyani’s main entrance on Christmas Eve.
The issue has drawn the attention of Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, whose office confirmed that she would conduct festive traffic management monitoring at Kremart on Tuesday. Motorists have called on the provincial government and Giyani Mayor Thandi Zitha to prioritise the expansion of the road to ease congestion and improve safety.
Municipal spokesperson Steven Mabunda said the municipality has been requesting the upgrading of the R81 for many years. “The R81 is a key connector, leading north of Malamulele and the R524 towards the Kruger National Park’s Punda Maria Gate, and south of Polokwane where it links with the N1 to Gauteng,” Mabunda said. In 2020, a serious collision involving three vehicles on the R81 claimed 13 lives after the vehicles caught fire, highlighting the dangers associated with the busy route.
The municipality has emphasised that the road does not fall under its jurisdiction and that responsibility for upgrades rests with the Limpopo provincial government and the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL).