North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa says that with an extra effort, the millennium development goal of 50 percent target for reduction in fatalities on public roads by 2014 is realisable.
MEC Yawa expressed his optimism at the opening ceremony of the two days provincial Road Safety Driver Skills Enhancement Championships programme held on Friday at Mmabatho Stadium parking area.
Yawa also expressed appreciation of the growing interest and enthusiasm of professional drivers from the public transport system who participated at district level. He said that it gives him confidence that government’s commitment to provide a safe environment for the 2010 World Cup will be achieved.
290 professional drivers took part at district level before 45 were selected for the provincial championships that end today. The MEC further said that his department will intensify implementation of its road safety strategy and rolling enforcement plan as we advance towards the festive season, Easter holidays and 2010 World Cup. He stressed that the zero tolerance approach to road safety will be focused on driver negligence, speeding, drunken driving, unsafe overtaking, un-roadworthy vehicles and drivers fitness.
A motorcade, accident scene simulation exercise to be done at the intersection of Dr Modiri Molema road and Sekame road near the Mmabatho Stadium parking area, go-karts for children and adults, inflatable football field, jumping castle and slide are part of the entertainment activities to hype the final selections of a team of fifteen drivers.
Three drivers per category to make the final selection will proceed to represent the province at the national driver of the year competition to be held in 23 to 26 October 2009 in Limpopo.
The objective of the provincial initiative, in its second year, is to enhance driving skills of public driving permit holders and promote driver education in the province in an effort to reduce road accidents involving busses and other commercial vehicles.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 9164
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
