Festive Season Roadblocks- Arrive Alive

As the festive season approaches, South African roads become busier with holidaymakers traveling to visit family, attend events, or explore popular destinations. Unfortunately, this period is often marked by an increase in road accidents, largely driven by reckless driving, alcohol consumption, and vehicle overuse. To combat this, law enforcement agencies are implementing stringent roadblock strategies nationwide to curb crime, ensure road safety, and reduce fatalities.

Law Enforcement Measures to Combat Crime and Smuggling

The Big 5 Hlabisa Municipality, located near the Mozambique border, has intensified its fight against crime by setting up roadblocks along major routes. According to Mayor Comfort Khumalo, these measures are designed to intercept stolen goods and illegal crossings. Working alongside the Hawks and the SAPS, law enforcement aims to prevent smuggling through Kosi Bay, a known gateway to Mozambique.

Since July, the Border Management Authority has deployed 33 trained border guards at the Kosi Bay port of entry. Their mission is to regulate the legal movement of people and goods, further enhancing the municipality’s crime-fighting capabilities. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to reducing cross-border crime and ensuring a safe festive season for all.

Government’s Festive Road Safety Strategy

In a briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa presented the 2024 Festive Road Safety Strategy, which focuses on curbing road accidents and fatalities. A critical component of this strategy is the emphasis on preventing drinking and driving, which accounts for 27% of road-related deaths. Law enforcement officers will be deployed around the clock to enforce compliance, particularly targeting alcohol consumption and distracted driving.

Advocate Makhosini Msibi, CEO of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), highlighted that the strategy involves partnerships with various stakeholders, including churches, chiefs, and municipalities, to raise public awareness. Efforts will be intensified through targeted roadblocks, particularly in high-risk areas, ensuring that all motorists adhere to road safety regulations.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Traffic Violations

Law enforcement agencies are adopting a zero-tolerance approach toward traffic violations this festive season. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), in partnership with SAPS, has launched the 2024 Safer Festive Season Programme. This initiative includes integrated roadblocks on major routes like the N2 Neptune Bridge, where hundreds of vehicles have already been stopped and searched. Arrests for drunken driving and possession of unlicensed firearms demonstrate the effectiveness of these operations.

NMBM Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, emphasized the importance of collaboration between government entities and civil society to ensure a safe festive season. The program includes partnerships with the Department of Home Affairs and Correctional Services to enhance law enforcement’s capacity to manage the holiday influx of travelers and combat organized crime.

Community Involvement and Awareness

Law enforcement officials have urged citizens to play an active role in promoting road safety. Committee member Mazwi Blose suggested using social media influencers to spread awareness among young drivers, who are often the most reckless. Additionally, motorists are warned against flashing headlights to alert others of roadblocks, as this undermines road safety efforts.

The Department of Transport’s focus on proactive measures rather than reactive enforcement aims to create a culture of responsibility on the roads. Traffic officers are also being advised to reject bribes and “cold drinks” often used by offenders to escape penalties, ensuring that all violators face the full extent of the law.

With roadblocks set to increase over the festive season, motorists must adhere to traffic regulations to avoid legal consequences. Drinking and driving, in particular, will be met with zero tolerance. Authorities are committed to reducing road fatalities, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy a safe and memorable festive season. Stay vigilant, drive sober, and contribute to making South Africa’s roads safer this holiday season.

Stay safe, stay sober, and let’s achieve zero deaths on the road this festive season.