EASTER WEEKEND ROAD DEATHS DROP IN MOST PROVINCES, SAYS TRANSPORT MINISTER

Tue 22 April 2025:

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has confirmed a notable decrease in road fatalities and crashes across South Africa during the Easter weekend, except Mpumalanga. At a media briefing held at the Kranskop Toll Gate along the N1, Creecy reported encouraging progress in road safety enforcement and compliance.

“The fatalities and the crashes are showing a significant decrease in all provinces with the exception of Mpumalanga. As you know, there was one very serious accident on Thursday evening, and there have been other fatal accidents in that province,” Creecy said.

She noted that the Eastern Cape and Western Cape did not show an increase compared to last year’s statistics, maintaining similar figures. No fatalities were recorded at the Kranskop site over Easter, marking a positive development.

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“But what is heartening is that in all six other provinces, there is a significant decrease in crashes and fatalities,” she added.

Law enforcement operations were stepped up across the country, resulting in the inspection of over 70,000 vehicles. Authorities issued more than 21,000 traffic fines and made 512 arrests for offences ranging from drunk driving to excessive speeding and operating without valid permits.

“We take violations of public driver permits and other public permits very, very seriously,” Creecy stated.

While Mpumalanga recorded a troubling number of serious accidents, the broader national picture reflects a positive shift in road safety trends. Minister Creecy’s remarks highlight the critical role of continued vigilance and firm enforcement in reducing fatalities on South Africa’s roads.

As the Easter holiday remains one of the busiest travel periods of the year, authorities are urging motorists to remain cautious and responsible, particularly as the return leg of the long weekend gets underway.

written by Thaabit Kamaar

This article originally published in Salaamedia click here