As heavy snowfall stranded motorists across KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, Trucker Miriam Mzangaza became a source of warmth and sustenance for those in distress, while software developer Louis Barnard transformed his cancelled hiking trip into a mission of goodwill.

Heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and poor visibility prompted traffic authorities to warn motorists to avoid travel in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and surrounding regions as dangerous conditions persisted. Snowfall began to disrupt traffic along the N3 Toll Route and most other regional roads on Friday night, leaving scores of motorists stranded on the road for more than 12 hours.

Amid the chaos and cold, a remarkable spirit of community emerged as people came together to help those in need. One woman emerged as a beacon of hope: trucker Miriam Mzangaza, affectionately known as Masigwede. With her motherly instincts kicking in, Mzangaza extended a helping hand to those around her.

"I was travelling from Johannesburg to Durban. I didn't know the weather would be so bad, I was in Joburg and it was very, very cold there so I just thought the journey would be cold and didn't expect to be stuck in snow," said Mzangaza.

She said she had driven in snow before and decided to keep driving until she reached Tugela Plaza, however, after she passed Harrismith the conditions became worse.

"I was driving something like 30km,...