Transport Minister Dikobe Ben Martins is deeply saddened by the accident that killed 8 people and injured 34 children last night at the R66 KwaCeza turn off in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal province. An Isuzu bus carrying school children from Zamimpilo Special School over-turned when the driver lost control. They were travelling from Richards Bay sports ground in Ulundi.
An accident specialist has been appointed to assist with the investigation of the crash. Minister Martins has conveyed a message of condolences to members of the deceased families and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. Road traffic crashes cost our country’s economy approximately R306 billion a year. This does not take into account the terrible pain and anguish of the parents and relatives of those that are killed. The only way to stop irresponsible behaviour on our roads is to impose harsher sentences to those who disregard the rules of the road.
At present road crashes are reportedly the leading causes of death among the 15-29 age groups. By 2015, it is projected to be the leading cause of death in the 5-15 age groups, causing more deaths even higher than HIV and Malaria. Alcohol abuse causes half of these injuries and deaths.
Road traffic fatalities are amongst the main causes of death in South Africa. This results in serious social and economic costs for the country. These consequences include the loss of family members, bread winners and leave behind traumatized families. The economic ramifications include the increase in the social development and health budgets spent.
In December 2012, the Department, its agencies and stakeholder partners announced various measures to be undertaken to promote the safety of people on our roads 365 days a year. As part of these measures, the department called upon South Africans to observe and obey the rules of the road.
A significant amount of financial resources were invested to promote awareness and to intensify enforcement and up-scale general traffic officer visibility. Awareness campaigns were launched and some are still running in all official languages, across different media platforms, including radio, television, newspapers and below the line media.
Going forward, the Department will soon finalise the road safety strategy which will inform policy and legislative review, mechanisms to strengthen enforcement, effective co-ordination of the public awareness and education campaign. The Department is also considering mechanisms to introduce scholar transport policy which inter alia will ensure that vehicles used to transport learners are in good conditions.
Media contact:
Tiyani Rikhotso
Cell: 083 5701275
