VRYBURG/MAHIKENG — Sunday, 16 Nov 2025: A powerful surge of storm-water undermined a section of the N18 between Mahikeng and Vryburg on Sunday morning, carving out a deep washaway next to the carriageway and shearing off the road’s edge.

A photo taken at 09:08 shows roads personnel inspecting the scene as muddy water continues to pour through a collapsed embankment into a gully below. The picture’s GPS overlay places the incident in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (approx. -26.054993, 25.33623).

What we know

• Heavy overnight rain sent runoff through a roadside drainage channel/culvert, undermining the road base and causing a partial collapse of the pavement edge.

• At least one lane is impassable at the washaway site; further erosion remains possible while water flows.

• Roads maintenance teams are on scene assessing structural damage and safety.

Safety advisory

• Avoid the N18 between Mahikeng and Vryburg until authorities confirm it is safe.

• Do not attempt to drive through flowing water or around barriers.

• Follow official detours and updates from the North West roads authorities and traffic officers on the ground.

Context

Widespread thunderstorms over parts of the North West in recent days have saturated soils and overwhelmed drainage on secondary and national routes. Local authorities are monitoring other vulnerable low-lying sections for damage.

The Vryburg Independent Post has requested formal comment from the North West Department of Public Works and Roads/SANRAL on the extent of the damage, expected repair timelines, and official diversion points. We will update readers as soon as that information is released.

-The VIP Team