Programme Director, Miss K Maharaj
Head of Department Mr Chris Hlabisa
Commander: Training and Advice Mr R B du Plessis
Representatives of local authorities
All law enforcement personnel present
Members of the media
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
I am pleased to be part of this important occasion, especially when everyone is gripped by the World Cup fever. It is now a fact that as a country and the province of KwaZulu-Natal in particular, we have successfully played our part in ensuring that the soccer tournament kicks off tomorrow under favourable conditions in so far as infrastructure development and road traffic law enforcement preparations are concerned.
It is the primary objective of the provincial traffic authorities together with local authorities to have an accident and incident free FIFA World Cup event. We are firmly behind the strict implementation of the battle plan that is in place to successfully manage the traffic flow and road incidents during the World Cup event.
Traffic officers are already deployed to all strategic areas which will be soon congested. There will be a very strong presence of traffic officials patrolling such areas and escorting dignitaries as required. One of the fundamental focal areas for traffic officials will be to regulate, monitor and alleviate traffic congestion on all our roads.
Today we are here to congratulate 19 new traffic officers that have endured this past six months of hard work and study. Effectively, today we are unleashing the last batch of traffic officers before the big event. We congratulate you all.
We know that the new officers have gone through a very tough course that prepares them to face the more important task of guarding people’s lives out there. This means that they will be suitable for duty as from tomorrow morning. I am confident, therefore, that these officers will actually be able to do their work properly tomorrow because of the training that we have offered them. The importance of such a task cannot be undermined.
We know that the road to lesser crashes is a tough one. It is tough because there are so many bends and turns that need negotiating before we reach the destination. But we have invested in you because we hold the view that if road safety education is not effective, then we are left with no option but to crack the whip. We therefore say from now on, we can count on you.
You are now sent out to help cure this preventable and curable disease that happens on the roads. You are sent out from here to help save as many lives as you can. The path will not be easy as you will see ghastly things in the course of your work, yet you will have to persevere. Take this as a challenge to you to help reduce the amount of these terrible crashes. You need to be ambassadors of proper and good behaviour on our roads as all eyes will now focus on your behaviour.
In conclusion, another very important message to all traffic officers is that as government, we have declared war on fraud and corruption. Therefore, as you continue with your duties never indulge yourselves into corrupt practices like bribery.
This province has no place for corrupt Traffic Officers. Whether they are provincial or local traffic officers, they belong in jail. So be warned, ‘Alufakwa KwaZulu-Natal lubuya nesaphulamthetho’. We are proud of you – so make us proud too.
I thank you.
Source: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
