Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele earlier today, Tuesday, 16 March 2010 visited some of the families of the eight people killed in a road crash on the Mabopane Highway near Rosslyn in Pretoria yesterday, Monday, 15
March 2010.
The minister was accompanied by councillors from the Tshwane Municipality, Transport Director-General Mr George Mahlalela, Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO Mr Jacob Modise, acting CEO of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) Mr Collins Letsoalo as well as other senior officials.
The minister announced that the RAF will cover the costs of all eight funerals. The main purpose of the visit was to convey condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery. The visit was also to offer support to the respective families and introduce them to officials from the RAF who will personally render assistance to them during their time of bereavement and injury.
The minister’s visit commenced at the Ga-Rankua Mortuary in Pretoria North. The minister then proceeded to the Ga-Rankua (George Mukhari) Hospital, where he visited those injured including Florence Kekana, Wilhemina Hlongwane, Fikile Nkambule and a 15 year old unidentified female. The minister then proceeded to Soshanguve (GG Section) where he visited the family of 32 year old Mpho Radebe and Soshanguve (PP Section) where he visited the family of 29 year old Martha Tsamango who were killed in the road crash.
Minister Ndebele has reiterated that South Africans needed to change their attitude towards road safety. “The past two days has been a terrible time and terrible crunch. We want this phase to pass. The number of deaths on our roads is totally unacceptable. Road deaths cannot be compared with other deaths because in the case of road deaths we know the cure, which is simply to obey all road rules. A road crash is one of the most terrible things and South Africans have not yet fully realised how serious and devastating this is.
“Road safety is everybody’s responsibility. It affects urban and rural, young and old, rich and poor. As South Africans, we must change our attitude towards road safety and stop this carnage on the roads. Society must frown upon bad driving and report it. The road is a shared public space and the first place where we should exercise democracy. We must become more responsible on the roads.
“We are currently in discussions with the National Prosecuting Authority regarding the prosecution of road traffic offences. As government, we are going to be using education, enforcement, enforcement and enforcement. Public transport operators carry the lives of our nation and therefore those who compromise the safety of their passengers must be dealt with harshly. The driver of any motor vehicle who is found guilty in a road crash should be sent to jail.
“As we approach the coming long weekend from 19 to 22 March as well as the Easter holidays, this is a time for families to come together and not a time for mourning. We are going to be merciless towards all those who disregard road rules,” said Minister Ndebele.
All road users are urged to report bad driving on 0861 400 800.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Issued by: Department of Transport
16 March 2010
