Road safety is a major priority to law enforcement agencies in the Free State Government and the Department of Police, Roads and Transport remains committed to ensure the safety of passengers, pedestrians and drivers, especially during the hectic festive season.
The Festive Season Road Safety Campaign was launched at Harrismith on 12 December 2019. It aimed at changing drivers’ and pedestrians’ behaviour and attitudes on our roads and was hosted by the Minister of Transport, Hon. Fikile Mbalula, the MEC of the DPRT, Hon. Sam Mashinini, and other stakeholders.
MEC Mashinini said in his speech during the event that, “only when people abide by the rules of the roads, will accidentsbe reduced. Respect other drivers. Speeding is a major cause of a ccidents and if you feel that you are not in a condition to drive, please call somebody to take you home. We have lost a lot of people through unnecessary road crashes and it is enough. Law enforcers are not going to rest this Festive Season, so, be warned: There is no way that you will escape the long arm of justice if you are in the wrong.”
The president of SANTACO, Mr. Taaiboch, made a promise to the Minister, MEC and community that there will be a change in attitude by the taxi industry during the upcoming holiday period. “We are not going to allow anybody to undermine the laws of our country – whether they are a driver with 30 years’ experience or just an upstart. If you do not change your attitude you can kiss your chances in this industry goodbye.” The Minister of Transport, Mr. Fikile Mbalula, encouraged officers to not shy away when they have to implement the law. “Where I come from we are visible from corner to corner on the roads. You must also be visible. You must reclaim the roads to save lives. The law is not negotiable. We are spending millions on capacitating law enforcement in the country and the gains made must be put to good use,” Minister Mbalula concluded.
