By Nomonde Mnukwa
Over the next few weeks, millions of people will take to our roads, as individuals and families take well-earned breaks over the festive season. Some will travel long distances to reunite with family and friends, some will spend time at the many beautiful places our nation has to offer, and some will simply choose to relax at home.
No matter how South Africans choose to spend the holiday period, our combined actions can ensure a safer festive season for everyone. As a starting point everyone has a duty to practice responsible behaviour on our roads and other areas this festive season.
Government calls on everyone to assist us in ensuring a safer festive season for all, and reminds everyone that road traffic law enforcement officers, law enforcement agencies and other government departments will step up safety operations during this period to ensure that people are safe.
Safer Festive Season Operations will be in operation in all provinces throughout this period, encompassing high-density operations. These will include regular roadblocks, stop and searches and the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects. The heightened police visibility is aimed at preventing, combating and at the same time, countering serious and violent crime during the holiday season and beyond.
As citizens we can play our part in making the festive season joyous and safe for everyone. Before taking to the road undertake a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle. Once on the road obey all traffic laws, wear seatbelts, stick to speed limits and be courteous to other road users.
Do not ever drive while under the influence of alcohol. Make use of a designated driver or ride sharing services if you intend to drink. Traffic officials will be out in full force during this period and will enforce a zero tolerance approach to any violation of our traffic regulations.
With the exams having come to an end we call on learners to say no to pens down parties! Alcohol and drug abuse can lead to tragic consequences, increase the risk of HIV and STIs, and may lead to unsafe sex.
If you are sexually active, protect yourself and your partner by always using a condom. Female and male condoms are freely available at all health facilities and there is no excuse not to practise safer sex.
Another area where we must all be hyper vigilant over this period is in the supervision of our children especially when at pools, beaches or near water. Children should never be left unattended at swimming pools or beaches, and must be equipped with necessary safety equipment. Do not drink when children are in your care at swimming pools or beaches, and ensure that swimming pools are properly secured when not in use to deny children access.
Many citizens will spend part of the festive season shopping and we call on them to be alert and aware at all times when on holiday or during leisure moments. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; instead use bankcards or electronic funds transfer to make transactions. Do no display large amounts of cash when making transactions because it can attract criminal elements.
When withdrawing cash at the ATM do not become distracted. Should you require help in making a withdrawal only approach a bank official for assistance. Do not leave valuable items visible in a vehicle, rather lock them in the boot, and ensure that your vehicle is properly locked before walking away.
If you feel unsafe at any point while out in public over this period report any suspicious criminal activity immediately to the police using the 10111 number, or inform security. With just a little bit of extra care and vigilance we can ensure a safe festive season for our loved ones and ourselves.
Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director General of GCIS
