Heroes on the highway: Hot Cares supports life-saving N3 volunteers

They’re the first to arrive when disaster strikes — racing to scenes where seconds count and help is often far away. The Volunteer Rescue Team, made up of doctors, paramedics, trauma counselors, and rescue technicians, gives up their holidays to save lives along the notorious N3 corridor between Villiers and Harrismith.

Operating during peak travel periods like Easter, Christmas, and major sporting events, this self-funded team responds to emergencies where professional resources are thinly stretched or unavailable. Their tireless efforts have brought advanced medical support to some of the country’s most dangerous roads — and they’ve done it all without pay, driven purely by compassion and a sense of duty.

This Easter marked their most ambitious deployment since pre-COVID, with the team joining forces with Netcare 911 to extend their reach and response capabilities. Working through high-risk days like Easter Monday — the busiest day of the year on the N3 — they’re often the only advanced medical personnel on site.

The team covers their own fuel, meals, accommodation, and the upkeep of life-saving equipment like the Jaws of Life. Despite the high cost, they’ve never let that stop them from showing up.

At Hot Cares, we were deeply moved by their story — and we knew we had to help.

Thanks to the incredible support of our HOT 102.7FM listeners, Hot Cares will be covering the full R36,000 needed to fund their Easter and long weekend operations. This includes all transport, sustenance, and the vital servicing of their emergency tools.

This is more than just a donation. It’s a thank you — to a team that shows us the true meaning of service. We see you, we thank you, and we’re behind you every step of the way.