A blanket of snow can be seen covering the vehicles at a service station along the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal. Picture: Gift of the Givers
THE Gift of the Givers together with farmers and businesses have joined forces to help motorists who have been stranded on the N3 since last night.
Extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfalls, have resulted in the closure of the N3 leaving hundreds of motorists stranded, many with their families.
Bilal Jeewa, public relations officer for Gift of the Givers, told the POST that several of their teams, farmers from the Warden area, service stations and Joey's Towing CC were assisting with relief efforts.
“As of now, we know there are various people stranded along the N3. We have contacted service stations from the Van Reenen’s Pass area until Harrismith to alert them of the situation and that we will provide fuel to the stranded motorists.
“Farmers from the Warden area are also helping us. Joey's Towing from Pietermaritzburg are going out to the stranded motorists to deliver blankets, beanies and snack bars.
“There are Gift of the Givers teams from the Estcourt and Pietermaritzburg areas who are assisting on the ground. There will also be hot meals provided at the Estcourt Municipal Hall for people in need,” Jeewa said.
A representative of Joey's Towing who was out on the road told the POST that company bakkies were being used to get through the snow.
“There are a number of bakkies out on delivery. As far as I know, they are distributing blankets, beanies and refreshments. This is along various points along the N3, including the Howick to Mooi River route,” the representative said.
The POST