Traffic Chaos Expected as Gqeberha Braces for Saturday Rugby Match
Gqeberha’s reputation as a “10-minute city” faces its biggest test Saturday as thousands head to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for rugby action. The Eastern Cape city’s infrastructure struggles threaten to turn quick commutes into lengthy ordeals.
Traffic lights across the city remain broken, creating bottlenecks on major routes leading to the stadium. The malfunctioning robots, as traffic lights are locally known, have plagued Gqeberha for months without adequate municipal repairs.
Transport options present additional challenges for rugby fans. Uber services in the area reportedly suffer from cleanliness issues, while traditional taxi services face capacity constraints during peak sporting events.
The stadium’s location requires careful route planning, particularly with multiple road closures expected around kickoff time. Local authorities have not announced comprehensive traffic management plans for the anticipated crowd surge.
Gqeberha earned its “10-minute city” nickname due to typically short travel times between major destinations. However, Saturday’s rugby match will likely shatter this convenience as fans compete for limited functional routes.
Early departure becomes essential for spectators wanting punctual stadium arrival. The combination of broken traffic infrastructure, limited transport options, and concentrated crowd movement creates perfect conditions for significant delays.
Stadium officials recommend fans allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes. The rugby match represents a major test of Gqeberha’s ability to handle large-scale events amid ongoing infrastructure challenges.
