In a concerted push to enhance road safety, the National Department of Transport launched the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week campaign at one of Durban’s busiest taxi ranks on Sunday.
Running from May 12 to 18, the campaign, themed “Make Walking and Cycling Safe,” aims to illuminate the critical need for awareness regarding the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa delivered a poignant message highlighting alarming statistics regarding pedestrian safety.
He stated that 44% of those killed during Easter were pedestrians.
“This means we still need to engage on a higher level with South Africans on respecting the rules of the road. It’s small issues, but they are important. Do not cross where it is not allowed. If there are robots, go and cross at the robots and don’t weave between vehicles. Freeways are not for walking. Let’s wear bright clothing when walking on the roads at night so that motorists and other road users can see us. Let us not drink and walk on the road. Let us not drink and drive,” Hlengwa said.
“The message for the week and all days that will follow is to talk more about the importance of road safety.”
Hlengwa said that for the whole of next week, the national department will be in KwaZulu-Natal, visiting various areas, disseminating an important message: let’s be safe on the roads.
EThekwini human settlements, engineering and transport chairperson Themba Mvubu said the launch should send a strong message because they want the city to play a meaningful role in road safety issues.
“During this campaign, we want to make walking and cycling safe. We strongly believe that we can succeed in this if we intensify law enforcement,” Mvubu said.
“We are pleased that this city developed the non-motorised transport bylaw, which empowers the municipality to establish non-motorised facilities and provide for their use and regulation. The bylaw will also assist us in enhancing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, joggers and vulnerable road users,” Mvubu explained.
He said they are concerned about the number of people dying on the roads despite the government’s efforts, which saw improved law enforcement, road infrastructure and educational campaigns.
Mvubu said research shows most road accidents are attributed to human actions. Therefore, campaigns should primarily aim to influence the awareness of road users.
South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) regional chairperson Yusuf Khaliva said they might not realise the dual role of pedestrians. On the one hand, pedestrians are pedestrians, and on the other hand, they are passengers.
“If we ignore pedestrians, it means we don’t pay attention to our passengers,” Khaliva said.
“Our drivers must understand that pedestrians always have the right of way. When it comes to cyclists, even though we haven’t been trained yet, we wish in the next module, to those who will train us, to train us under what conditions a person has the right of way.”
Nelisiwe Mkhabela of the Southern African Bus Operators Association (Saboa) said that as the voice of the bus industry and drivers of safe, reliable and sustainable bus transport, they stand united behind the call to make walking and cycling safe.
“Together we must prioritise the safety of all road users and drive the transformation towards safer streets across South Africa,” Mkhabela said.
Mandla Ngobese of the Transport Education Training Authority (Teta) said they are committed to driving road safety initiatives within the transport sector.
“As Teta, we are eager to support the United Nations Global Safety Week, which is aimed at saving lives and strengthening transport networks within the transport sector,” Ngobese said.
