Chikunga calls for heightened caution and vigilance on the roads
Transport Minister, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga has made an impassionate please to all road users - motorists, bus drivers, motor bikers, cyclists, pedestrians and passengers to abide by all the rules of the road this Festive Season as traffic volumes and travelling activities are expected to and are beginning to rise.
Minister Chikunga has reiterated the plea and call to all road users to exercise extreme caution and vigilance while using the roads.
This follows the tragic loss of six (6) lives and 49 injured persons as a result of a crash that occurred yesterday afternoon, Friday, 08 December 2023 in the Mpumalanga province.
Reports received so far indicate that a major crash occurred on Friday 8 December 2023 in the afternoon on the R37 between Lydenburg and Sabie in the Staircase area in Mpumalanga.
A Bus type vehicle, Vuki Chuene Transport was involved in a single vehicle overturned type crash.
Reports received indicate that the bus was ferrying passengers from Lydenburg to Sabie when the crash occurred, resulting in 6 fatalities and 49 injured persons. It is alleged that the bus experienced a tyre burst and the driver lost control. The bus went through a barrier and down an embankment, landing on its side approximately 30m from the road.
Teams of crash reconstruction and investigation together with law enforcement officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the South African
Police Service will conduct investigations and submit an investigation report accordingly.
Minister Chikunga has sent her deep felt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the deceased. “Our thoughts and our prayers are with all the families during this difficult time of sorrow. Your pain is our pain and your loss is our loos. We wish you all the strength as we come to terms with this tragic experience. We also wish a speedy return to good health to all the individuals who sustained injuries during the crash”, said Minister Chikunga.
The Minister has reiterated the clarion call for heightened caution and vigilance on the roads, for motorists in particular and all other users.
Road safety remains the responsibility of every individual. Let us heed the call and follow all the rules of the road without exception in order for us to save lives. Roads are a public space that should be used and shared responsibly with due consideration for all the other users.
With the festive season upon us and traffic volumes anticipated to and beginning to increase as travellers make their journeys to and from various destinations, the Department wishes to remind all road users of the following important road safety tips:
- Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy!
- Adhere to the speed limit!
- Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol!
- Avoid using cell phones while driving!
- Buckle up at all times!
- Take regular breaks!
- Pedestrians must cross streets at marked intersections!
- Pedestrians must wear bright clothing when walking in dark areas!
Play your part and help us stop the carnage!
Arrive Alive! Fika Uphila
Media Contact
Collen Msibi
National Spokesperson
066 476 9015
