Cape Town has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons, as the 2024 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard ranks it as the seventh most congested city in the world. Unsurprisingly, this revelation has been met with little shock by South Africans, who are all too familiar with the city’s notorious traffic woes.

According to the report, Cape Town motorists lost an average of 94 hours in traffic over the past year, a significant rise despite the City’s R444-million initiative to combat congestion between 2024 and 2027.

Traffic build up as seen through side mirror

Ease your way through the traffic in one of our pristine pre-owned beauties

Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, remarked: “The situation isn’t much better in other parts of the country. Johannesburg drivers spent 55 hours in traffic, while Pretoria, Durban and Pietermaritzburg saw residents stuck for 45, 35 and 33 hours respectively. These cities round out South Africa’s top five for traffic congestion.”

The new year brings new challenges for drivers as schools reopen, universities resume and many organisations move away from hybrid work models, potentially adding to the daily traffic grind.

“Commuters should brace themselves for worsening conditions and adjust to gridlocked roads as part of their daily routine,” Herbert warned.

View of traffic behind the leading car 

Make the traffic less stressful. Upgrade to more luxury - check the options with our Finance Calculator

Here is practical advice for drivers:

  1. Stay informed: Tune into traffic updates and avoid problematic routes. Make use of Google Maps or Waze that can suggest alternative routes to avoid congestion.
  2. Keep your distance: Maintain a safe following distance, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
  3. Stay focused: Avoid distractions, no matter how slow the traffic.
  4. Give reckless drivers space: Protect yourself by distancing from erratic motorists.
  5. Relax in traffic: Listen to soothing music or calming podcasts to stay composed.
  6. Plan ahead: Test alternative routes to find the quickest option and leave earlier to avoid rushing.
  7. Carpool where possible: Share journeys with neighbours or colleagues if insurance allows.
  8. Be school-zone aware: Keep your speed below 30km/h and look out for children, buses, and scholar patrol instructions.
  9. Drive courteously: Avoid pressuring nervous drivers and make lane changes well in advance.

“Whether you’re dealing with long commutes or sudden delays, these tips can help make your journey smoother. And remember, ‘Drive nice – it’s contagious,’” Herbert concluded.

Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with

proudly ALL THINGS MOTORING