A small farming community near Oudtshoorn in South Africa’s Little Karoo remains cut off more than two weeks after severe flooding, with residents warning their livelihoods hang in the balance.
The May 6 storm triggered rockfalls along the R328 road, forcing its closure and completely isolating the Matjiesriver area. The route serves as the primary access to the world-famous Cango Caves and other regional tourist attractions.
“The community is scattered with tobacco farms and small businesses. Resorts and restaurants have been forced to close. They’ve also been without electricity for nearly three weeks,” said a Matjiesriver community spokesperson.
While an alternative route via Calitzdorp has been identified, it is significantly longer and more costly to use. “The roads are in a state. We have an alternative route, but there are financial implications there. People can’t get to town. Not everyone is privileged enough to go through the town to do their monthly or weekly business,” the spokesperson added, appealing for greater support for “forgotten communities.”
Education has also been disrupted. Schools in the area remain closed as teachers struggle to commute from Oudtshoorn. “It made it impossible for the learners, teachers and parents to get to the school. The ongoing challenges with access to and safety at the school affects not only the day-to-day functioning of the school but also the development and education of our children,” stated a local education representative.
The tourism sector faces severe setbacks. The R328 provides access to the iconic Cango Caves, which remain closed indefinitely to visitors. “Other tourism businesses have also suffered the same fate. And with three major routes, tourism routes to Oudtshoorn were compromised due to the storms including Meirings Poort, the Swartberg Pass and of course the road to the Cango Caves. The impact on our economy is severe,” explained a tourism industry spokesperson.
Many businesses have been unable to operate for more than two weeks, coinciding with the critical winter trade period that relies on tour groups and buses. “People coming to experience the world heritage sites like the Cango Caves and the Swartberg Pass do not have access to those,” the spokesperson noted.
Authorities caution that repairing the R328 is complex and requires specialized expertise. “Rushing might trigger secondary rockfalls we are working to prevent which can lead to longer closure, potential loss of life and damage that could take months rather than weeks to repair,” officials stated.
Motorists traveling to the Cango Caves while the R328 remains closed are advised to use the MR363 gravel road, with warnings to drive carefully and reduce speed. The Swartberg Pass and Meirings Poort also remain closed indefinitely due to flood damage, leaving smaller communities such as Gamkaskloof in similar isolation.
Recovery efforts continue as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and prioritize safe, sustainable repairs to restore vital connections for residents and the regional economy.
