As South Africa gears up for the bustling Easter holiday period, authorities and organisations are making significant strides to enhance road safety and decrease fatalities.
Traditionally a time for family gatherings and religious pilgrimages, the Easter long weekend sees thousands of congregants journeying across the country and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, raising concerns over road safety as previous years have witnessed tragic incidents during these travels.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has issued a clarion call for road safety to permeate every aspect of the Easter celebrations. “All pastors must deliberately incorporate these messages in their sermons," the RTMC urged.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility; it cannot be left in the government’s hands alone. Organisers of these trips must also plan thoroughly to ensure that drivers rest sufficiently along the way.”
The significance of these safety reminders has been amplified by the official launch of the Easter Period Road Safety Campaign on the 20th of March 2025 by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy in Pretoria. This campaign is part of a year-round road safety initiative that involves collaboration among the Department of Transport, provincial and local authorities, law enforcement, interfaith organisations, community-based structures, and the private sector under the theme “ItBeginsWithMe.”
In an innovative approach to border safety, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has recently announced the deployment of drones to monitor the borders over the Easter period, aiming to intercept illegal crossings into South Africa. Schreiber explained that this step complements the overarching focus on safety during this busy travel period.
“What we are announcing today is the Border Management Authority's of its own drone technology and the device we have on display here is one of four of these devices that will be deployed for the first time as part of the Easter operational plan. These drones will now be deployed at these four border posts but it is important to emphasise that they will be moving around.”
In a further push for safety, Castrol has partnered with Paige Lindenberg, General Manager for Shelby SA and an award-winning racing driver, to offer practical guidance for motorists.
“Safety on the road isn’t about luck; it's about preparation,” she said.
Drawing from her racing experience, Lindenberg also reminded drivers that attention to even the smallest vehicle faults is crucial. She added, “Preparation brings peace of mind. While this may not be an exhaustive list of safety tips, basic checks can maximise the chances that your holiday venture won’t end up as an unexpected camp-out on a national highway.”
To further ensure smooth travels, WesBank has also urged drivers to prioritise safety by planning ahead and conducting necessary vehicle maintenance prior to embarking on their journeys.
“Poor maintenance, particularly of brakes and tyres, is often cited as a leading cause of fatal road crashes in South Africa,” said Lebo Gaoaketse, WesBank’s Head of Marketing and Communication. Gaoaketse acknowledged economic pressures that lead many to defer essential vehicle repairs, stressing the importance of safety checks.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star