This article has an: UPDATE

ERMELO — Vusi Shongwe, former Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, was observed riding a motorcycle through Ermelo’s central business district yesterday without wearing a helmet, raising questions about road safety compliance and public accountability.

Shongwe previously served as Mpumalanga’s MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, overseeing public safety, crime prevention, and traffic law awareness.

In that role, he was responsible for shaping and communicating government messaging on road safety to communities across Mpumalanga.

The incident occurred when Shongwe was seen riding a motorcycle through town, stopping at a local pharmacy, and continuing along public roads.

Photographs and video footage show him operating the motorcycle without a helmet.

Legal context

Under the National Road Traffic Act, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear a properly fastened protective helmet when travelling on public roads.

Exemptions are limited and rare, generally requiring documented medical grounds.

In general, the National Road Traffic Act requires that any medical exemption permitting riding without a helmet be formally documented.

Past statements on road safety

In several publicly reported statements, Shongwe has previously emphasised the importance of obeying traffic laws and prioritising road safety:

• He has called for law enforcement to maintain “zero tolerance” for errant drivers and stressed that enforcement should be applied without fear or favour.

• Following festive season road crashes, Shongwe said that road safety “is not the responsibility of government alone,” noting that all road users must obey traffic rules to prevent injuries and fatalities.

These statements have been widely cited in local media and public safety campaigns.

Public reaction and accountability

The incident has prompted questions about road safety and the example set by public figures and former officials.

The incident occurs against the backdrop of Shongwe’s former role as MEC responsible for promoting traffic safety.

Right of reply

Media queries were directed to Shongwe as well as the Department of Community Safety and Liaison via WhatsApp and email to the department’s spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, with the office of the MEC, Jackie Macie, copied in the mail. No response had been received by the department, however Shongwe did respond.

Shongwe confirmed that he had been riding without a helmet and explaining that it was behind him on the seat at the time. He said he was driving slowly and felt uncomfortably hot.

He added: “I must confess it was not a good practice for me and the public. I still respect the traffic laws of this country and the public in general, and I will always be exemplary and apologise going forward.”