By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy led a road safety campaign in Limpopo as Zion Christian Church (ZCC) pilgrims head for the holy city of Moria after a five-year break due Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.
Creecy held campaign alongside Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba at the N1 Kranskop Toll Plaza.
The St Engenas Church denomination held smaller and highly regulated gatherings while the star sign denomination, led by Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, has not held any gatherings.
Creecy said early data shows a decline in crashes and fatalities between March 20 and March 30.
“Preliminary statistics indicate that fatal crashes have decreased from 306 recorded during the same period in 2025 to 255 this year, representing a 16.7% decline,” she said.
She said fatalities dropped from 356 to 291 – an 18.3% decrease.
Reductions were recorded in all provinces except the Free State and Eastern Cape. Gauteng, Limpopo and the Northern Cape reported the sharpest declines, ranging between 46% and 47%.
Creecy said the progress was encouraging as the country enters the peak Easter travel period, adding that intensified law enforcement contributed to the improvement.
She said authorities conducted 321 roadblocks, stopping and checking 374,161 vehicles.
A total of 1,122 vehicles were discontinued for defects rendering them unroadworthy, while 1,147 were impounded, mainly for permit violations.
Creecy announced that more than 500 motorists were arrested for drunk driving, 14 for speeding, and 93 pedestrians for jaywalking on freeways.
The Minister also raised concern over pedestrian safety, confirming that 93 pedestrians have been arrested for crossing highways illegally.
“Almost 50% of those killed on our roads are pedestrians,” Creecy said, warning that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
With traffic volumes expected to surge, particularly along the N1 route, Creecy confirmed that law enforcement visibility has been intensified, with officers deployed around the clock in three shifts to ensure 24-hour monitoring.
“We are running three shifts, from 6 am until 2 pm, from 2 pm until 10 pm, and from 10 pm until 6 am,” said the Minister.
Ramathuba highlighted ongoing infrastructure challenges in the province.
She said recent floods have worsened the condition of gravel roads, making travel difficult in some areas. The province has over 13,000 kilometres of gravel roads, many of which require constant maintenance.
Limpopo was hit by heavy flooding earlier this year, which was declared a national disaster.
She reiterated that more than R300 billion would be needed to fully tar those roads, making maintenance efforts critical in the short term.
Meanwhile Cabinet has called on citizens to prioritise road safety and act responsibly as traffic volumes increase ahead of the Easter long weekend.
Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the period was marked by increased travel as many people visit family, friends and religious gatherings.
“Cabinet calls on everyone to act responsibly when driving, ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy before driving, and everyone in the car, including children, must fasten their seat belts,” she said.
Cabinet also extended well wishes to all South Africans and visitors for a safe and joyous Easter, while stressing that individual responsibility remains key to ensuring a smooth and incident-free holiday period.
“Cabinet wishes all the South Africans a safe and joyous Easter long weekend…We also welcome visitors to our country and reassure South Africans and visitors alike that fighting crime remains one of the priorities of South Africa’s government,” the Minister said.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) is also on high alert to facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods across the country’s 71 ports of entry.
Cabinet said measures are in place to ensure efficient and secure border operations, while preventing illegal crossings through strengthened monitoring systems supported by security forces.
“Be warned, the BMA is seriously advanced and our borders are effectively being managed and monitored by our National Defence Force,” the Minister said.