Panorama Route Alert: Emergency repairs begin on P33/4 (R536) Sabie – Hazyview!

last updated: 02 February 2026 

The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport has confirmed that repair work on the P33/4 road between Sabie and Hazyview is set to begin following multiple slope failures along this key route. The announcement was made on 31 January 2026, with construction teams now mobilised on site after the completion of main road works.

Emergency rehabilitation will focus on seven identified slip failures, which have compromised sections of the road embankment. According to the department, the repairs will involve backfilling and reshaping the affected embankments to restore the original road profile, ensuring long-term structural stability and improved safety for motorists.

The P33/4 is a vital link along Mpumalanga’s iconic Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most celebrated scenic drives. Popular with both domestic and international travellers, this route provides essential access to major attractions including God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and several of the region’s famous waterfalls.

Road users and tourists travelling between Sabie, Hazyview, and the Kruger National Park are advised to remain alert during the construction period and to expect possible delays while emergency repairs are underway. Once completed, the rehabilitation is expected to significantly improve driving conditions along this important tourism corridor.

Provincial Route P33/4, also shown as the R536 on Google Maps, is the scenic road that links Sabie and Hazyview winding from the misty Mpumalanga Escarpment down to the Lowveld. This route forms a key part of the famous Panorama Route, giving travellers easy access to breathtaking views, waterfalls, and other must-see attractions along one of South Africa’s most iconic drives.

 

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Mpumalanga traffic update: R533 closed between Graskop and Bushbuckridge!

The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport has announced the temporary closure of the R533 road between Graskop and Bushbuckridge, effective immediately. The closure follows a comprehensive on-site safety assessment conducted on Monday, 22 December 2025.

Based on the outcome of the assessment, authorities decided to fully close the route as a precautionary safety measure to protect motorists and allow urgent remedial work to proceed without risk or disruption.

Why the R533 has been closed
The closure is a critical safety intervention aimed at safeguarding road users and enabling technical teams to address the situation with urgency. The Department confirmed that the decision was taken to prevent potential loss of life and to ensure the road can be restored to a safe condition as quickly and effectively as possible.

Alternative route for motorists
All road users travelling to and from Bushbuckridge are strongly advised to use the alternative route:

• Graskop > Sabie > Hazyview

Motorists should plan their journeys accordingly, particularly during the busy festive travel period when traffic volumes are significantly higher.

Ongoing monitoring and updates
The Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep the public informed of any developments. Road users will be notified once the R533 is declared safe and reopened to traffic.

The Department has apologised for the inconvenience caused and has appealed to motorists to exercise patience, caution, and cooperation while essential safety work is underway.

Travellers moving through Mpumalanga are encouraged to stay updated on road conditions, especially when travelling between key tourism hubs such as Graskop, Sabie, Hazyview, and Bushbuckridge.

 

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