By: Nokulunga Lebambo

The R40, a critical route linking Mpumalanga and Limpopo is fast becoming the protest stage of choice for frustrated Bushbuckridge residents, as service delivery demonstrations intensify across the municipality.

Almost weekly, sections of the busy road are blocked by communities demanding urgent intervention over electricity, water and infrastructure failures.

This week, residents from Carlton in Marite barricaded the R40 near Viva Garage, bringing traffic between Hazyview and Bushbuckridge to a complete standstill over electricity challenges. Weeks earlier, community members protested outside Dwarsloop Civic Centre after reportedly enduring more than a week without water.

The repeated shutdowns are now affecting more than just motorists. Learner transport vehicles are often unable to access affected areas when the road is blocked, disrupting schooling and leaving pupils stranded.

Healthcare services are also impacted. The R40 serves as a primary access route to Mapulaneng Hospital, with patients, ambulances and healthcare workers relying on the road daily. When protests erupt, access to medical care becomes uncertain, raising concerns about delays in treatment and emergency response.

The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison has condemned the road blockades. Department spokesperson Moeti Mmusi described the R40 as “a vital economic artery connecting more than five towns,” warning that continued disruptions threaten the movement of goods and people.

“People need to address their challenges through the right channels rather than disrupting the movement of goods and people. This is uncalled for. Government has structures to deal with community needs,” Mmusi said.
However, residents argue that repeated complaints through formal channels have yielded little progress, leaving them feeling unheard and compelled to take drastic action.