International tourists are welcomed with open arms in the Soutpansberg region. However, during December, a prime holiday month, strange and conflicting road signs appeared in the area, causing confusion among tourists.

Suddenly, as they left the western exit of Louis Trichardt to drive on the R522 Vivo road, en route to various lodges, they were confronted with road signs that assured them that they were driving on the R578.

“We get many of our tourists from Germany. They were not at all impressed with the fact that one road is designated both R522 and R578. All our international guests rely on the road signs. Should we tell them ‘Please don’t rely on road signs here’? Surely, if you put up a new road sign saying ´R578 Vivo´ within a few metres of the old sign on the Vivo road reading ´R522´, something must register in your mind? Actually, the R578 is the Elim/Giyani road,” Ms Kathy Straughan, one of the owners of Leshiba Wilderness, said last week.

Democratic Alliance Councillor of the Makhado Municipality Cllr Annette Kennealy conducted an investigation on the Louis Trichardt/Vivo road and found that at least 12 new sign boards in both directions display the incorrect route number R578.

“The Soutpansberg prides itself on being a prime tourist destination, and this is not only very confusing to tourists, but a huge frustration to the local business and lodge owners on the Vivo road. This matter directly affects local taxpayers,” said Kennealy.

Other new signage indicates that the speed limit on the Louis Trichardt /Vivo road is 100km/h per hour. Within a few metres, the old sign still indicates 120km/h. How is one to know what is the correct speed limit?

SANRAL was asked to explain the confusing sign boards after provincial government spokesperson Mr Mogale Nchaheleng in July last year stated that “road signs are a national concern and fall under the competence of SANRAL.” Concerning the R522, however, SANRAL spokesperson Ms Praya Pillay said last week Thursday: “It is not our road. I don’t know whose road it is, but I will try to find out.”

“It is ridiculous that no one accepts responsibility for the mix-up with the road signage!” was Straughan´s reaction to this.