By Duncan Mnisi
Sabie, Mpumalanga – Local residents, tourism operators, and visitors are once again raising alarm over the worsening state of the road leading to Lone Creek Falls, one of the Panorama Route’s most iconic attractions. For more than two decades, the community has appealed to authorities to repair the Old Lydenburg Road, but their pleas have largely gone unanswered.
Oupa Pilane, a respected community leader and long-time advocate for tourism development, voiced his frustration:
Recent visitor reviews highlight the severity of the problem. Many describe the road as a “horrifying” obstacle course riddled with massive potholes and mud craters. Some tourists reported being forced to turn back, unable to reach the falls at all. One visitor lamented:
“The road to Lone Creek Falls is a disgrace and a barrier to our tourism growth. For 20 years, we’ve begged for action, yet the silence from Mpumalanga’s leadership is unacceptable. This road not only damages vehicles but also turns tourists away, costing our local economy dearly.”
“I really hope they fix that road. It’s one of my favorite waterfalls, but last time we had to cancel because the road was simply not drivable.”
Standing at 68 meters, Lone Creek Falls is a national monument known for its lush indigenous forest, scenic trails, and picnic areas. Its accessibility is critical to sustaining the area’s reputation as a premier tourist destination. Yet the failing road infrastructure is eroding that appeal and threatening local businesses that rely on steady visitor numbers.
Community members are urging the Mpumalanga provincial government and Thaba Chweu Local Municipality to urgently prioritize repairs to the 9-kilometer stretch from Sabie to the falls. They stress the need for durable, long-term infrastructure solutions to guarantee safe and reliable access year-round.
“It’s time for Mpumalanga to stop the silence and act,” Pilane said. “Fix this road and unlock the full potential of our tourism jewels.”
On social media, residents echoed these concerns, pointing out the irony that such a celebrated natural wonder has been left with a dangerous access road. Others shared accounts of car damage caused by the road, questioning the lack of accountability from officials.
The outcry reflects a broader pattern of neglect that threatens to weaken the region’s tourism economy. Advocates remain hopeful, however, that mounting public pressure will spur authorities into action, restoring both safe access and economic opportunities for the community.
As the wait continues, the message from Sabie is clear: the road to Lone Creek Falls must be repaired without delay to preserve its natural beauty and its role as a vital driver of local livelihoods.
