By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has issued a renewed call for heightened road vigilance among motorists. Underscoring the critical importance of exercising caution as the festive season approaches.
Chikunga’s call comes after seven people lost their lives and over 50 sustained injuries during a major crash in Mpumalanga province.
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when a bus overturned on the R37 between Lydenburg and Sabie.
The Transport Department said crash reconstruction and investigation teams, together with law enforcement officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the South African Police Service, will conduct investigations and submit an investigation report accordingly.
Chikunga has sent her condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the deceased.
“Our thoughts and our prayers are with all the families during this difficult time of sorrow. Your pain is our pain and your loss is our loos.
“We wish you all the strength as we come to terms with this tragic experience. We also wish a speedy return to good health to all the individuals who sustained injuries during the crash,” Chikunga said.
Chikunga has reiterated the clarion call for heightened caution and vigilance on the roads for motorists in particular and all other users.
“Road safety remains the responsibility of every individual. Let us heed the call and follow all the rules of the road without exception in order for us to save lives.
“Roads are a public space that should be used and shared responsibly with due consideration for all the other users,” Chikunga said.
Road safety tips
With the festive season upon us, and traffic volumes are anticipated to increase as travellers make their journeys to and from various destinations.
The department reminded all road users of the following important road safety tips:
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol.
- Adhere to the speed limit.
- Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy.
- Avoid using cell phones while driving.
- Buckle up at all times
- For long journeys, take regular breaks.
- Pedestrians must cross streets at marked intersections.
- Pedestrians must wear bright clothing when walking in dark areas.
On 26 November, Chikunga launched the 2023/24 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign at Tsakane Stadium in the East Rand.
The globe commemorates the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims annually on the third Sunday of November to acknowledge sufferers of road traffic crashes and their families, as adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005.
The focus of this year’s campaign is on the impact of alcohol on road user behavior and its contribution to the carnage.
Meanwhile Police minister Bheki Cele has waged war on crime this festive season, announcing the addition of 10 000 more police officers on the ground from next week.
We have no doubt the new members will provide a much-needed boost to the current policing numbers and amplify our law enforcement efforts. These officers will be deployed to sanitise the streets and increase the footprint of the police in all nine provinces.”
He said high-visibility policing was one of the best ways to deal with crime.
He said over 259,000 people have been arrested for various crimes over the last six months, with most from the Western Cape and Gauteng. He also noted an increase in women taking part in serious and violent crimes.
Police are also clamping down on illegal immigrants and mining.
Over 4,000 illegal mining suspects have been arrested this year, said the minister, with over 130 arrested in just one day earlier this month.