Image: Photo: Narda Engelbrecht | Lowvelder
The business community in Dullstroom has raised concerns about the growing impact that the poor condition of key access roads could have on the town’s tourism sector and local economy.
According to reports, the R36 near Machadodorp and the R540 through Dullstroom are in poor condition, making it increasingly difficult for tourists to reach the area.
The R36, previously managed by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, was transferred to SANRAL in 2025 for reconstruction. Heavy trucks reportedly using the route to avoid toll fees or reach other destinations have been blamed for worsening its condition.
The Dullstroom Business and Tourism Association indicated that more than 10 guest houses along the route have closed, resulting in job losses and raising concerns about the future of the local tourism sector.
Concerns have also been raised about trucks travelling through Dullstroom on the R540. According to the report, legal action is being pursued in an effort to have lower speed limits enforced as trucks enter the town.