Items filtered by date: March 2026

South Africa’s banking and payment infrastructure has been steadily shifting away from magnetic-stripe (magstripe) cards—and toward contactless EMV (Europay, Mastercard & Visa) payments—in recent years. This change is happening because payment networks and banks are prioritising card safety, transaction speed, and use-case alignment with global standards.

What’s Changing
Magstripe payments, where a card is swiped through a reader, are increasingly rare and being replaced with tap-to-pay contactless technology that uses an embedded chip and NFC antenna. Globally, card issuers, including Mastercard, are already phasing out magnetic stripes on new cards in favour of chip-only designs.

In South Africa, banks such as Nedbank have announced that swipe payments at toll gates are being replaced with contactless tap payments. Toll operators and payment infrastructure providers across the country are upgrading point-of-sale devices so motorists can just tap and go with modern bank cards or mobile wallets. Chapman’s Peak Drive requires all users to have contactless EMV cards

Why Contactless Is the New Standard

• Speed: Transactions are completed in a fraction of a second—ideal for high-traffic toll lanes.
• Convenience: Motorists keep their payment method in hand; no manual swiping or handing over of cards.
• Alignment with Global Practices: Contactless payment adoption is strong worldwide, and local infrastructure upgrades reflect these trends.

What Drivers Should Do
If your current debit or credit card doesn’t support contactless (look for the tap icon), contact your bank for a replacement. Most major banks issue tap-enabled EMV cards as standard. You may also use mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay linked to your card.

How to pay at Chapman's Peak Drive:
✔ Cash still works
✔ Tap-enabled debit/credit cards
✔ Apple/Samsung/Google Pay devices
✔ Frequent User/Wild Card



Update your bank card if yours doesn’t support contactless yet before the end of April 2026. For specific detail relating to linked credit cards and Frequent User cards, contact the toll plaza at email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 021 791 8220 or WhatsApp 060 980 2347.

Chapman’s Peak Drive will undergo scheduled exploratory engineering work during March 2026 to support ongoing safety assessments and long-term infrastructure planning along the route.

The work requires temporary road closures on the following dates:

• Wednesday, 11 March 2026 – Half-width road closure from 08h00 to 17h00 [Stop & Go in place]
• Wednesday, 18 March 2026 – Full road closure from 08h00 to 17h00
• Wednesday, 25 March 2026 – Full road closure from 08h00 to 17h00

These investigations form part of Chapman’s Peak Drive’s continuous programme of geotechnical monitoring, slope assessment and infrastructure planning to ensure the long-term safety and accessibility of this iconic coastal route.

Why This Work Is Necessary

Constructed along steep cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, Chapman’s Peak Drive has always required specialised engineering to manage the natural environment in which it sits. From its original construction in the early 1900s through to the major upgrades completed in 2003, the drive has combined historic engineering ingenuity with modern safety systems.

As outlined in our Engineering section, the road was built along a natural granite contour within a complex geological environment where rockfalls and slope instability can occur. Modern engineering solutions — including rockfall catch fences, protective canopies, and advanced terrain modelling—have been implemented to predict and manage these natural hazards.

Exploratory testing such as drilling and geotechnical sampling allows engineers to assess the condition of the mountain slopes above the roadway and evaluate future infrastructure requirements. This type of work is common on cliff-side scenic routes around the world, where regular monitoring and preventative maintenance are essential to maintaining safe public access.

A Legacy of Engineering Excellence

Since its official opening in 1922, Chapman’s Peak Drive has become not only one of the world’s most scenic drives but also a showcase of South African engineering. Following extensive safety upgrades and reconstruction, the route reopened in 2003 with advanced rockfall protection systems designed through sophisticated terrain modelling and hazard analysis.

You can learn more about the remarkable development of the route in our History of Chapman’s Peak Drive.

Planning Your Journey

Motorists are encouraged to plan their travel around these closure periods and to make use of alternative routes between Hout Bay and Noordhoek where necessary.

While temporary closures may cause short-term inconvenience, these investigations form an important part of ensuring that Chapman’s Peak Drive remains safe, accessible and sustainable for future generations of road users, visitors and cyclists who enjoy this world-renowned coastal drive.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while this essential work is undertaken.

Each year, one of the world’s most iconic cycling events passes through one of South Africa’s most spectacular coastal roads. As the Cape Town Cycle Tour takes place, Chapman’s Peak Drive plays a pivotal role in both the route and the overall experience, requiring temporary road closures to ensure the safety of cyclists and spectators alike.

Event Day and Road Closure Information
On Sunday, 8 March 2026, Chapman’s Peak Drive will be fully closed to all traffic for a portion of the day to accommodate the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
Planned closure times for Chapman’s Peak Drive:
Saturday 7 March 2026, at 18h00 to Sunday 8 March, 18h00

These closures are essential to allow thousands of cyclists to safely navigate this narrow, winding mountain pass while enjoying uninterrupted access to one of the most scenic sections of the route.

For all confirmed road closures across the Cape Peninsula, including updates and adjustments, please refer to the official Cape Town Cycle Tour website:
👉 www.capetowncycletour.com

[Pic courtesy of @bicycling_sa on Instagram]

The Enduring Appeal of Chapman’s Peak Drive
Carved into sheer cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean, Chapman’s Peak Drive is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world. The route offers dramatic mountain backdrops, sweeping ocean views, and ever-changing light that transforms each curve into a postcard moment. During the Cycle Tour, this stretch becomes more than a road — it becomes a stage where athletic endurance meets raw natural beauty.

Discovering the Charm of Hout Bay
Nestled between mountains and sea, Hout Bay is a vibrant harbour town with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Known for its working fishing harbour, beach, markets, and diverse dining options, including many outdoor activities, Hout Bay offers the perfect pause point along the route. Whether you’re supporting riders, staying nearby, or visiting outside of race day, the area invites you to slow down, explore, and enjoy the warmth of a close-knit seaside community.

Experiencing Cape Town Beyond the Ride
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is just one expression of what makes Cape Town so exceptional. From iconic mountain landscapes and coastal drives to world-class food, culture, and outdoor adventure, the city offers endless opportunities for exploration. Chapman’s Peak Drive connects visitors not only to Hout Bay but to the broader Cape Peninsula — a region defined by diversity, contrast, and unforgettable scenery.

A Memorable Journey Along the Atlantic Seaboard
The partnership between Chapman’s Peak Drive and the Cape Town Cycle Tour represents the very best of the Mother City: challenge, beauty, and community spirit. From the anticipation of the climb to the applause echoing along the route through the town after the descent toward the coast, this stretch of road delivers an experience that stays with riders and spectators long after race day has passed.

[Pic courtesy of @thenewspapersa on Instagram]

Safety Comes First
All road users are urged to comply with official closures, signage, and instructions from traffic officials at all times, in accordance with South African road safety legislation.

For further guidance on sharing the road responsibly, please refer to our previous blog “Chappies for All: Let’s Share the Road Responsibly” and the Pedal Power Association’s cycling safety resources:
👉 www.pedalpower.org.za/ppa-safe-cycling-course/





[Pic courtesy of @versussocks on Instagram]