The Road Traffic Management Corporation has urged Gauteng motorists and other road users to exercise caution as increased traffic is expected around Heritage Day on Thursday, 24 September 2026. The warning comes as public schools close for the third term on Wednesday, 23 September, creating a holiday period in which families may travel, visit relatives or attend Heritage Day activities.
The RTMC said motorists should prepare before leaving, ensure vehicles are roadworthy and adjust their driving to traffic, road and weather conditions.
Heritage Day is a national public holiday observed on 24 September. The 2026 public school calendar shows that the third term runs from 21 July to 23 September, with the fourth term beginning on 6 October.
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Increased traffic expected around Heritage Day
The combination of the public holiday and the start of the school break is expected to result in more people travelling for family visits, leisure activities and Heritage Day events.
The RTMC said increased traffic volumes are anticipated along major routes and around popular destinations.
For Gauteng residents, this could affect journeys within the province as well as motorists travelling to other provinces during the school break.
Motorists have been encouraged to check traffic and weather conditions before starting their journeys and to allow enough time to reach their destinations without taking unnecessary risks.
Check your vehicle before travelling
Vehicle safety is another part of the RTMC warning, particularly for motorists planning longer journeys.
Drivers should make sure their vehicles are roadworthy before departing. The RTMC advised motorists to check tyres, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and fluid levels.
These checks should be completed before the journey rather than after a problem develops on the road.
Motorists should also plan fuel stops and rest periods when travelling longer distances.
The RTMC advised drivers to take regular breaks and avoid continuing to drive when tired.
Speed and alcohol remain major safety concerns
The RTMC has called on motorists to obey speed limits throughout the holiday period and to reduce their speed when road, traffic or weather conditions require it.
Drivers have also been warned against getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.
The corporation said motorists should avoid cellphone use and other forms of distracted driving while operating a vehicle.
All occupants should wear seatbelts while travelling, while children should be secured using appropriate child restraint systems.
Drivers have also been advised to maintain a safe following distance and avoid dangerous overtaking.
Traffic signs and road markings should be obeyed throughout the journey.
Pedestrians and cyclists also require caution
The safety warning extends beyond motorists.
Drivers have been urged to pay particular attention to pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and children, especially in residential areas and around recreational facilities.
The school break can mean more children are outside during hours when they would ordinarily be at school.
Parents and caregivers have therefore been encouraged to remind children about basic pedestrian safety when walking near busy roads, shopping centres, public transport facilities and holiday destinations.
Pedestrians should also remain alert when crossing roads and use designated crossing points where available.
Gauteng families enter the school holiday period
Wednesday, 23 September marks the final day of the third term for South African public schools.
According to the official 2026 public school calendar, schools reopen for the fourth term on Tuesday, 6 October.
This places Heritage Day immediately after the end of the school term.
Heritage Day itself remains one of South Africa’s official public holidays and is observed annually on 24 September.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture says Heritage Month is being observed throughout September 2026 under the theme, “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us.”
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Gauteng residents travelling during the Heritage Day period should prepare for the possibility of increased traffic on major routes and around destinations attracting holiday visitors.
Those planning longer journeys should inspect their vehicles before departure, check traffic and weather conditions and leave enough time for delays.
Drivers should also avoid speeding, alcohol, cellphone use and unsafe overtaking.
Families travelling with children should ensure that younger passengers are properly secured and that everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt.
Residents staying within Gauteng should remain cautious around residential areas, shopping centres, public transport facilities and recreational spaces where pedestrian activity may increase during the school holidays.
The RTMC’s message applies to all road users, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Road users urged to make safety part of holiday plans
The Heritage Day period gives many families an opportunity to spend time together as the third school term comes to an end.
For motorists, the RTMC says planning should include more than choosing a destination and departure time.
Vehicle condition, driver alertness, speed, weather conditions and the behaviour of other road users all need to be considered before and during a journey.
Motorists who become tired should stop somewhere safe and rest rather than attempting to continue driving.
Drivers should also give themselves enough time to reach their destination without speeding or taking unnecessary risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Heritage Day in 2026?
Heritage Day is on Thursday, 24 September 2026. It is an official public holiday in South Africa.
When do public schools close for the September 2026 holidays?
The third term ends on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. Public schools begin the fourth term on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.
What should motorists check before travelling?
The RTMC advises motorists to check their tyres, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and fluid levels. Vehicles should be roadworthy before a journey begins.
What should drivers avoid during Heritage Day travel?
Motorists should avoid speeding, driving after consuming alcohol or drugs, cellphone use while driving, dangerous overtaking and driving while tired.
How can parents keep children safer during the school holidays?
Children travelling in vehicles should use appropriate child restraint systems and wear seatbelts. Parents and caregivers should also remind children about pedestrian safety near roads, shopping centres, transport facilities and recreational areas.
Safety remains the priority on Gauteng roads
With the third school term ending and Heritage Day falling immediately afterwards, Gauteng motorists are being encouraged to prepare carefully for their journeys.
The RTMC has called on road users to slow down, remain alert and avoid behaviour that could increase the risk of crashes.
Whether travelling within Gauteng or heading to another province, motorists should ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, plan their journeys in advance and adjust their driving to the conditions they encounter.
The corporation said every road user has a role to play in preventing crashes and helping people reach their destinations safely during the Heritage Day period.
