As adverse weather conditions envelop the country, heavy snowfall forced the closure of several key mountain passes in the Eastern Cape, leaving motorists stranded and prompting urgent safety warnings as winter grips the province. On Monday, five high‑lying passes were shut to traffic as snow blanketed the region, disrupting travel and raising safety concerns. By Tuesday morning, snowfall had subsided, allowing all previously closed passes to reopen. However, Binqose stressed that conditions remain treacherous. With temperatures plunging and snow forecast to persist, emergency teams remain deployed across the province to monitor conditions and assist where necessary.