29 June 2023
The Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport conducted an anti-stocktheft meeting in Hoopstad on 29 June 2023. The primary objective was to promote vigilance among farmers and livestock owners, urging them to take responsibility for their animals by ensuring proper marking for easy identification. Unmarked animals pose challenges for effective theft investigations by the South African Police Services (SAPS).
Livestock owners were advised against hiring undocumented foreign nationals, as it complicates matters when such individuals are involved in criminal activities.
The meeting fostered interactive discussions, encouraging livestock owners to unite in combating these crimes and addressing the challenges they face. Collaboration was emphasized as the way forward to effectively tackle stock theft and find sustainable solutions.
11 June 2023
The Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport presents an exciting opportunity for Unemployed Youth and Artisans to participate in the following programmes:
2 June 2023:
THABA NCHU CELEBRATES YOUTH MONTH
On 2 June 2023, learners from different schools in ThabaNchu convened to promote Road Safety education for the youth through various activities such as running, cycling, and displays by majorettes.
30 June 2022:
YOUTH MONTH 2022: MEC HOSTS YOUTH DIALOGUE IN TUMAHOLE
15 June 2022
YOUTH MONTH 2022: Edenburg’s learners brace the cold to learn more about safety
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport (DPRT) held a Youth Day event in Edenburg on 15 June 2022. The Road Safety and Crime Prevention directorates in the DPRT co-hosted the event that was held with Botle ba Thuto Primary and Albertina Sisulu Secondary schools and local community members.
Because of the bitterly cold weather currently experienced in the Free State Province, the stakeholders decided not to engage in sports activities but, together with the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) and the SA Police Services (SAPS), rather focus on an educational program to commemorate Youth Month.
The Road Safety directorate and RTIA did ‘knock-and-drop’ visits to the Nelson Mandela Clinic and the Kopanong Local Municipality where they talked to people about the AARTO points demerit system. The entourage then proceeded to the local stadium where various stakeholders addressed learners on road safety, crime prevention awareness, the dangers of gangsterism and drug and substance abuse.
31 May 2022
PREMIER AND MECS INSPECT R34: HOOPSTAD – BLOEMHOF
The MEC for Police, Roads and Transport (DPRT), Mr. William Bulwane, together with the Premier of the Free State, Hon. Sefora Ntombela, and the MEC for Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr. Mxolisi Thukwane, visited the R34 on 31 May 2022. This road links Hoopstad in the Free State and Bloemhof in the North West Province
The aim of the visit was to acquaint themselves with the current condition of the road as to make an informed decision on the way forward regarding upgrading of the road.
After a thorough inspection, MEC Bulwane said that the roads in the Free State Province are not in good condition and the R34 is one of them. He promised that the department will fix the 12 km stretch of road and that, by 19 September 2022, an appointed contractor will commence with Phase 2 to rehabilitate the road. Phase 1 has already been dealt with at an earlier stage.
The project is estimated to cost R60 million and will create many job opportunities for the community of Hoopstad. In the meantime, starting from 1 June 2022, the department will begin filling potholes in the area.
Premier Ntombela emphasized that it cannot be tolerated that people are continuously risking their lives when using roads that are not up to standard. She also said that she will personally make sure that all MECs are doing their jobs properly.
MEC Bulwane, Premier Ntombela and other members of the Executive will do a site inspection at the R30 at Allanridge on 1 June 2022.
20 May 2022
SCHOOL SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN BOTSHABELO
On 20 May 2022, the Directorate of Civilian Oversight from Social Crime Prevention in the Department of Police, Roads and Transport (DPRT), organised a School Safety Awareness Campaign at the Khotso Taole Secondary School in Botshabelo. Amongst attendees were learners, teachers and members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) at the nearby Boithuso Station.
Learners were discouraged to use drugs because once they are addicted, their lives will be affected negatively. Their performance at school will decline and they might end up not finishing their schooling and that will put their whole future in jeopardy. They were also warned that once they are found with the drugs in their possession, they will be expelled from school and will not be recommended to any other school.
The high rate of unwanted pregnancies amongst learners was also discussed and the impact such an event has on especially girls as it puts them at a disadvantage because they need to take care of a baby and at the same time try to keep up with school work. It also means they had unprotected sex and might have been exposed to range of diseases that can even be life-threatening.
Learners were encouraged to focus on their studies because education is the only way one can successfully build a bright future.
28 April 2022
On 28 April 2022, the MEC for the Department of Police, Roads and Transport (DPRT), Mr. William Bulwane, held a meeting with Taxi Operators in the Setsoto Local Municipality in Ficksburg. The purpose of the meeting was to intervene in the ongoing conflict amongst taxi operators in the area.
It is alleged that some of the taxi operators who run routes from Ficksburg to Welkom are denying others to carry passengers. The problem apparently started during Covid-19 when strict regulations were implemented that severely affected the financial viability of the public transport sector.
The matter was taken to the office of the registrar in Bloemfontein. The office tried to resolve the problem but unfortunately it still persists.
The MEC took a decision that taxi operators must go back to the old system of drafting a schedule. A list of names of operators who are using the Welkom route should be compiled and these operators should agree amongst themselves how they will be rotating the shifts and in what order. The implementation must start tomorrow, 29 April 2022.
The DPRT will monitor whether the association has implemented what has been agreed upon in the meeting. MEC Bulwane instructed taxi operators to respect passengers because they are the ones who are helping them to put bread on their tables. In conclusion, Mr. Bulwane said everyone must cooperate. If this is not sorted and adhered to, he will be forced to intervene further and even close the taxi rank or impound taxis.
After the meeting, the MEC visited the taxi rank next to the border gate with Lesotho and also the so-called “illegal” taxi rank next to the Sasol garage.
21 April 2022
MEC RESPONDS TO ACCUSATIONS ABOUT ALLEGED PRE-PAYMENTS TO CONTRACTORS DURING MEDIA BRIEFING (see Home Page for full information)
19 April 2022
Departmental Newsletter for the 4th Quarter 2021/2022
Newsletter2022March4thQuarterDRAFT4April19
15 April 2022
MEC Bulwane lends a hand during Easter 2022 Road Safety Campaign
MEC William Bulwane and Mantsopa Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr. Mamsie Tsoene, joined law enforcement officers at a roadblock at the Maseru Junction in Thabo Mofutsanyana District as part of the Provincial Easter Road Safety Campaign. He also attended some road safety checkpoints on the N8 to the R26 leading to the borders of Lesotho.
9 April 2022
DEPUTY MINISTER, MEC HAND OVER ACCESS ROUTE TO THABA NCHU COMMUNITY
The Thaba Nchu Road Upgrade Project was officially handed over to the community of Thaba Nchu on Friday 9 April 20MEC Bulwane lends a hand during Easter 2022 Road Safety Campaign22 by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga, and the MEC for Police, Roads and Transport in the Free State Province, Hon. William Bulwane
The road project created 230 jobs opportunities with seven different Contractor Development Programme (CDP) beneficiaries.
8 April 2022
BUDGET VOTE 2022/23 AT A GLANCE:
6 April 2022
DEPUTY MINISTER AND MEC VISITED DENEYSVILLE AND JIM FOUCHé ROAD AS PART OF PRESIDENTIAL IMBIZO BUILD-UP ACTIVITIES
The Deputy Minister in the Office of the Presidency, Hon. Pinky Kekana, together with MEC for Police Roads and Transport (PRT), Hon. William Bulwane, visited Deneysville and the Jim Fouché road project on 6 April 2022 at as part of the build-up activities for the Presidential Imbizo that will be held on Saturday, 9 April 2022, in Bloemfontein.
The Jim Fouché road project in the Deneysville area created 246 job opportunities for all genders, including youths. The project cost amounted to R85 853 022.62. This is one of the key and most successful projects by the PRT recently.
The visit was followed by an Imbizo in Zamdela’s Harry Gwala Multi-Purpose Centre. The purpose of the Imbizo was to hear about the challenges facing the community of Zamdela.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that the President wishes to see municipalities and government departments collaborating by sharing budgets and resources to improve service delivery in communities
In concluding his remarks at the Imbizo, MEC Bulwane urged municipalities to be committed towards solving the problems that the communities in Fezile Dabi are faced with. He also promised that the Department of Police, Roads and Transport will fully support them in their quest for excellent service delivery.
1 April 2022
TRAFFIC OFFICERS OBTAIN CERTIFICATES
Traffic Officers in the Department of Police, Roads and Transport qualified on Friday 1 April 2022 as accomplished Examiners of Vehicles from the Lengau Traffic Training College. The 21 officers attended the course from 10 January 2022 and are now proficient in all aspects of inspecting a vehicle to ensure it is roadworthy and can be safely utilised on our roads.
16 March 2022
SCHOOL BASED ANTI-CRIME AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AT TIERPOORT
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport, together with the South African Police Services (SAPS), Correctional Services and the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, conducted an anti-crime campaign at Kgotsafalo Intermediate School at Tierpoort on 16 March 2022 to address drug- and alcohol abuse, the dangers of carrying weapons around and how behaviour and attitude can influence one’s life.
12 March 2022
COMMUNITY OUTREACH IN BOTSHABELO
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport (DPRT) and South African Police Services, (SAPS) supported a community outreach program on 12 March 2022 at Botshabelo stadium hosted by Mr. Litaba Maphisa.
The purpose of this event was to give school shoes and bags to children in need to boost their self-esteem and give them a sense of true belonging amongst their peers.
Mr. Maphisa, owner of Tabzos pub in Botshabelo, said in his address he grew up with nothing and knows the humiliating feeling of not having shoes. This made him adamant that he will do whatever to give back to his community when he became successful. A grateful 10-year old learner who could not contain his joy over the brand new pair of school shoes he has received said: “Mr. Maphisa, ke motho wa sechaba! You are taking care of the community!”
The Department of Health also came to support and to teach scholars to stay away from drugs.
Gender-based violence is also a big problem in Botshabelo – especially because families are keeping quiet about sexual abuse and even hiding these perpetrators. Constable Masilo said the SAPS said they will make sure that those responsible get arrested. “We do not feel safe. Crime is at a peak and the only way to combat it is for us all to stand up and get these perpetrators arrested. Always make sure what is going on in your child’s life. Be your child’s best friend as our kids are vulnerable,” said Masilo.
Mr. Jimmy Shi, one of the business owners who has a team that assists the Botshabelo community, said, “Our mission is to activate and ensure that the local society is okay by helping one another in our area.”
11 March 2022
CRIME PREVENTION IMBIZO IN FOURIESBURG
The Deputy Minister of Police, Hon. Mr. CC Mathale, together with the MEC for the Department of Police, Roads and Transport, Mr. William Bulwane and Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major-General Solly Lesia, met with the community of Fouriesburg on Friday, 11 March 2022, to address various persistent and increasing criminal trends in the area.
The crime prevention community engagement focused on stock theft; alcohol and drug abuse; sexual offences and other crime-related issues in the area as well as how to improve relations between the police and the community. Stock theft has become a major threat to livestock farmers and the general safety of people living in rural areas. Up-and-coming farmers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are especially hard-hit by this type of crime described by Minister Cele as “economic sabotage.”
Deputy Minister Mathale underscored the importance of community involvement in the prevention of crime as they are the eyes and ears on the ground. Communities must work with the saps to bring perpetrators to book. Hon. Mathale also said the Policing Forums should help the both the SAPS and their communities who have entrusted them with their votes. He warned members of the forums not to get engaged in corruption because of their positions but to be of service to the greater good of all living in their area.
MEC Bulwane promised that the DPRT will soon fix the R26 to ensure safer commuting between towns in the Eastern Free State.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Lesia said the reasons behind the Imbizo is to bring services to the people. The main concern of residents of the local Mashaeng township is the lack of employment and all the socio-economic hardships it brings.
3 March 2022: ROAD SAFETY AMBASSADORS TRAINED
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport (DPRT) together with Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA) was invited to participate in the Tsogo Road Safety Program on 3 March 2022 at SAPS’ Kagisanong Hall, Rocklands in Bloemfontein.
The Abuti Rams Foundation (ARF) in partnership with the Road Accident Fund (RAF) are implementing the Tsogo Road Safety Program for a period of four months within the four selected provinces (Free State, Gauteng, North West and Kwa-Zulu Natal) with 400 participants within the road safety and transport sector.
Presentations were made by various industry experts from institutions such as National and Provincial Departments of Transport, RTIA, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and others. They explained the work done within the road safety space and road transport sector. A road safety challenge was also held and two students won money to start their businesses.
Training was also done to give knowledge and skills needed to create business plans with the intention of creating employment.
The campaign focuses on educating students interested in road safety to become ambassadors for safer road use in South Africa.
25 February 2022: ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport (DPRT) together with representatives of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), launched a road safety awareness campaign for students of Motheo T-VET Technical College in Thaba Nchu on 25 February 2022.
The campaign educated students on the risks of drinking and driving and also texting while driving or walking. Many students participated and asked questions on how to be safer drivers and pedestrians.
The main aim of the campaign by the DPRT and RTMC was to remind young adults – especially those who recently obtained their drivers’ licences and do not have a lot of experience driving in various conditions – to take road safety seriously and avoid being reckless, ignorant and arrogant on our roads.
15 February 2022: MEC INTERACTS WITH ANTI-STOCK-THEFT PATROLLERS
9 February 2022: INDUCTION FOR SECURITY OFFICERS
On 1 February 2021, the Department of Police, Roads and Transport in the Free State Province appointed 508 security officers but due to the Covid-19 regulations that were in effect at the time, the Human Resources (HR) section could not give the new officials proper induction courses. HR recently started with workshops for these officials in all five districts of the Province.
Human Resources invited the GEPF, SARS and Gems to share information with the employees regarding the benefits in the public service and HR presented the policies, strategic framework and Gender Equality framework. The information sessions started in Qwaqwa at Thabo Mofutsanyane on 9 February 2022 and will cover Fezile Dabi, Motheo, Xhariep and Lejeleputswa during the rest of the month.
INDUCTION PROGRAMME IN PARYS, FEZILE DABI: 17 February 2022
INDUCTION PROGRAMME IN THABO MOFUTSANYANE:
INDUCTION PROGRAMME IN LEJWELEPUTSWA, WELKOM: 15 February 2022
4 February 2022: SAFER SCHOOLS A PRIORITY
The MEC for Police, Roads and Transport, Mr. William Bulwane, visited Rebatlathuto and Kwakwatsi Secondary School in Koppies on 4 February 2022 to encourage learners not to get involved in criminal activities at school or in their communities and rather focus on their education.
Bulwane congratulated learners at the schools for doing well in their studies, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. He encouraged the learners of Rebatlathuto to even work harder this year and said: “We are proud of you for achieving a 96.4 % matric pass rate last year and I challenge you to get 100% this year. I know you will!”
He urged them to love school, focus on their school work, not engage in bullying and keep their clean record of no drug related incidents. “Let us keep the Free State in the number one position of best matric results in the country.”
MEC Bulwane also urged learners of Kwakwatsi Secondary school to work harder this year. The school achieved an 84% pass rate last year and the MEC encouraged them to strive for a 100% matric pass rate in 2022.
“We want you to put more effort by starting as early as today to study. Do not procrastinate and waste time. Have a purpose in life and diligently work towards it. In the past, Kwakwatsi has delivered excellent graduates who are currently studying in Cuba and you can do it too,” said MEC Bulwane.
He concluded by saying he expects future doctors, lawyers and pilots from the school. “This will only be possible if you listen to your teachers and respect them, study hard, don’t get involved in criminal activities or drugs and stay out of harm’s way.”
3 February 2022: MEC BULWANE VISITS SAPS IN ZAMDELA
The MEC for Police, Roads and Transport in the Free State, Mr. William Bulwane, visited Zamdela on 3 February 2022 to interact with police officers. He instructed them to make sure they successfully combat crime in the areas where they are stationed.
“We need a changed in society if we want to root out crime. Let’s serve our communities at all times. Police officers must always comply with our mandate,” said the MEC.
MEC Bulwane also met with Taxi Associations from Mafube, Moqhaka, Ngwathe, Kutlwanong and Metsimaholo to inform them of the roadshows the Department will be embarking on.
He urged them to work together with communities to terminate illegal taxi operations as those vehicles have no permits and might endanger commuters’ lives. MEC Bulwane concluded by emphasising that taxis must be road worthy to help reduce road accidents in the province.
January 2022
2021
