Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Dr Igor Scheurkogel MP and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Joseph Mbele.
The Democratic Alliance welcomes the confirmation by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, that the process to transfer the R59 to SANRAL has commenced.
This follows sustained pressure from the DA, including formal correspondence sent on 12 December 2025 to the MECs of Roads in both the Free State and Gauteng, calling for the urgent transfer of the R59 to SANRAL. This intervention is critical to ensure that this vital economic artery is properly rehabilitated and maintained, safeguarding road users and protecting the local economies that depend on it.
The R59 begins in Dealesville in the Free State, runs north-east across the Vaal River, and ends in Tulisa Park near Johannesburg. It is far more than a provincial connector; it serves as a strategic alternative transport corridor linking the Free State, North West, Northern Cape, and Gauteng. In doing so, it relieves pressure on key national routes such as the N1 and N12, while supporting agricultural, industrial, and tourism activity across multiple provinces.
Following the DA’s written request, sections of the road on the Gauteng side were repaired, with work in December to January 2026. This demonstrated that our continued pressure has delivered safer roads for South Africans and ensured that local economies are not negatively affected by poor roads.
The Minister’s confirmation that the Premier of the Free State has now formally requested the transfer further validates the DA’s position and persistence. It is clear that consistent oversight and requests for intervention from the DA have been instrumental in moving this process forward, a step that will ultimately save lives and restore economic confidence along this corridor.
However, this is only the beginning. The DA will continue to monitor the process closely to ensure that there are no delays or attempts to derail the transfer and rehabilitation of the R59.
We therefore call on all South Africans who use the R59 to support our petition. Public pressure remains essential to ensure accountability and to guarantee that the government follows through on its commitments. Communities and road users deserve safe, reliable infrastructure.
This development also highlights the critical role the DA plays as an opposition party within the Government of National Unity, holding the executive accountable and driving delivery where it matters most.
The R59 must be restored as a lifeline for economic activity, not remain a hazard that costs lives and livelihoods.