Conference by Jeff Radebe, Minister of Transport, Emperors Palace
1 October 2007
Programme Director
Members of the Executive Council
Chairperson of the RTMC Board, Dr John Sampson
Chairpersons of Transport Agency Boards
Acting CEO of the RTMC, Thabo Tsholetsane
Chief Executives of Transport Agencies and Entities
Government officials
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
It is a pleasure to be among the great minds in the field of accident
investigations and I am privileged to have been chosen to address such an
important conference. The issue of accident investigation is indeed a matter
that begs for such conferences, as it remains a key lever in strengthening our
road safety endeavours. Let me also stress that safety is not only restricted
to road users but also cuts across rail, aviation and maritime arena, suffice
to say road safety does seem to require a special treatment.
I highlight this issue because, today, marks the first day of our October
Transport Month which was launched yesterday with great emphasis on our
readiness for 2010. I must say that the success of the 2010 transport plan
depends solely in our efforts to guarantee safety within our transport system,
particularly road safety. It is for that reason that South Africa has
prioritised her road safety strategy and strengthened the co-ordination of law
enforcement through the establishment of the Road Traffic Management
Co-corporation (RTMC). Our Arrive Alive campaign is also no longer a seasonal
campaign but continues to spread safety messages throughout the year.
However, the challenges are still very much a reality. Bad driving and
pedestrian behaviour, as well as un-roadworthy vehicles are still very much a
feature of our roads, and have destroyed many innocent lives, created
orphanages and claimed the lives of thousands of breadwinners. This situation
can not be allowed to persist. We need to take a confrontational approach in
our determination to tackle these problems. Not only is our Rolling Enforcement
plan making a huge difference along these lines, our research capabilities have
also assisted us to identify the hazardous areas in our road network. This has
also improved the deployment strategy of our scarce law enforcement resources.
We also believe that the implementation of the administrative adjudication of
road traffic offences, next year, will be a lasting legacy in dealing with
habitual traffic offenders.
This new system will ensure that motorists who ignore their traffic fines do
so at their own peril, as they face the wrath of being unable to renew their
vehicle licenses without couching up. But even more importantly, they face the
serious consequences of losing their drivers' licenses. Distinguished guests,
our vision is clear, we believe that the merit and demerit system will
introduce a paradigm shift from zero tolerance to 100% compliance.
We all agree that our vision also requires the capacity to conduct accurate
and reliable accident investigation and the reconstruction of accidents as an
essential element of our law enforcement. Indeed this matter continues to haunt
our law enforcement initiatives. Most negligent motorists, involved in serious
accidents - are roaming our streets partly because our accident investigations
are flawed and inconclusive. In too many cases the guilty party escapes
prosecution, often due to incomplete information gathered on the scene of the
accident.
This is a stuck reminder that road safety is not only about law enforcement,
engineering and awareness, it is also greatly about proper and accurate
accident investigation to feel up all the gaps. The seriousness of this matter
cannot be overemphasised. More than 15 000 persons lose their lives on our
roads annually while 60 000 are seriously injured. These accidents cost the
country approximately R46 billion per annum. Our country cannot afford such
human misery.
Programme Director, it is for that reason that this conference has its work
cut out. The RTMC has today assembled the best experts in the field. Without a
shadow of doubt, I believe that your deliberations will build a strong case for
our government to increase its investment in building a stronger capacity on
accident investigation.
The establishment of the RTMC has begun to strengthen our special
investigation of specific types of fatal crashes and dangerous goods accidents.
As a result, the Corporation has contracted five forensic entities to support
our own internal investigators. And due to the highly specialised nature of
these investigations the RTMC will also continue to rely on the co-operation of
South African Police Service (SAPS) members. It has also conducted skills
development programs to empower more than 3 000 SAPS members. This is due to
the fact that in some cases the police personnel are the first to arrive at
accident scenes.
Good as these initiatives may sound; it is only through the partnership with
the private sector and experts like yourselves that we will be able to
strengthen our capacity to thoroughly and convincingly investigate our road
accidents. We believe that such empowerment will ensure proper accident
investigation and contribute to more successful criminal prosecutions. I hope
that your deliberations will play a major role in improving these areas and
particularly our road safety. I have asked the RTMC to report to me on the
deliberations of this conference.
Programme Director, with those few words, it is my pleasure to declare this
conference officially opened and to wish you the best of luck in your
deliberations.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Transport
1 October 2007
Source: Department of Transport (http://www.dot.gov.za)
