MOTORISTS, residents and holidaymakers have been warned to be on their best behaviour during the Easter holidays as eThekwini tightens up safety measure in preparation of welcoming around 1.2 million visitors who are expected to spend over R2b during their two weeks stay in the city.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said about 1000 officers will be on duty throughout the municipality, patrolling the streets, beaches, and places of entertainment 24 hours a day.

“We have increased patrols on freeways to address jaywalking by pedestrians. There will be heightened enforcement on public transport to remove unroadworthy vehicles from the roads,” said Xaba.

The city’s battalion will be bolstered by KZN Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), Home Affairs, Customs, and SAPS. Over 20 multidisciplinary roadblocks have been planned during this period, focusing on all forms of crime, including drinking and driving.

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Xaba said Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s reappointment could not have come a better time for the city. “We are pleased that his appointment coincides with the launch of the Easter holidays campaign, and we have no doubt that this will bolster our crime-fighting efforts and ensure that we deliver safe and peaceful Easter holidays,” said Xaba.

He acknowledged that the religious holiday is a busy one for the city as during this period thousands of people attend church gatherings, including the Good Friday Service that the municipality will host jointly with the Diakonia Council of Churches on April 3.

“Police will monitor this, and other church gatherings taking place throughout the city and assist in controlling traffic where necessary. Shopping malls and tourism sites will also be closely monitored to ensure the safety of patrons,” said Xaba.

To ensure the safety of bathers, the municipality will deploy 200 lifeguards along the coastline from 06:00 to 18:00 daily. We urge beachgoers to co-operate with lifeguards by swimming in designated areas and avoiding swimming under the influence of alcohol.

Vibrant event line-up

Among the vibrant line-up events that can be enjoyed by revellers during Easter are the One Man Concert, Doek On Fleek, the Sjava 10th Year Celebration Tour, Bryan Adams: Roll with the Punches, and Mandisi Dyantyi’s Symphonic Celebration.

The heightened activity is expected inject a direct spend of about R2 650b into the city’s economy with average accommodation occupancy expected to be 62%, while the creation of employment opportunities is estimated at 16 000.

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