Gauteng strengthens coordinated response to road safety, traffic signals and streetlights vandalism
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, hosted a stakeholder engagement meeting with law‑enforcement agencies and municipalities aimed at intensifying coordinated efforts to address road safety challenges, infrastructure failures, and the ongoing theft and vandalism of traffic signals and streetlights across the province on Tuesday, 14 April 2026 in the City of Tshwane.
This intervention follows sustained engagements and concerns raised by communities regarding non‑functional traffic signals, inadequate street lighting, incidents of crime along key transport corridors, and delays in law‑enforcement response.
In response, the MEC convened the stakeholders to explore various interventions to restore functionality, safeguard critical road infrastructure, and prevent further vandalism.
Gauteng has a total of approximately 4 500 signalised intersections managed by the department and municipalities.
Persistent theft and vandalism have resulted in widespread service disruptions, increased safety risks, and escalating maintenance costs.
Speaking at the session, MEC Diale-Tlabela said that the theft and vandalism of traffic signals and streetlights is a direct threat to road safety, economic activity and service delivery.
“This engagement reflects our firm commitment to protecting public infrastructure, restoring traffic signal functionality, and ensuring safer roads for all road users in Gauteng.”
“We also acknowledge that road safety challenges extend beyond infrastructure alone. They require a coordinated, integrated response from all spheres of government and law‑enforcement agencies to ensure safer communities and reliable transport systems,” the MEC explained.
She further emphasised that dysfunctional road infrastructure presents not only a safety risk but also a significant economic challenge, contributing to congestion, delays and financial losses, while placing additional strain on public resources due to high repair replacement costs.
“We will be convening a high-level stakeholder session bringing together law enforcement, municipalities and private sector partners, including motor vehicle insurers, to drive a coordinated response to infrastructure vandalism and road safety challenges.
“This will culminate in a joint implementation roadmap with clear accountability and a unified provincial position for rollout,” Diale-Tlabela added.
The MEC added that in line with the Gauteng Infrastructure Act, vandalism and damage of public infrastructure is a criminal offence, and ‘we will work with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, including motorists.’
The Department will also intensify efforts to quantify and recover financial losses resulting from infrastructure damage by drivers.
Communities are encouraged to play an active role by reporting vandalism, criminal activity and faulty infrastructure to the relevant authorities.
For more information, contact:
Ms Melitah Madiba
Department’s Head of Communications
Cell: 073 644 9935
Mr Lesiba Mpya
MEC’s Spokesperson
Cell: 078 450 9841
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