Festive fatalities decrease in Limpopo

The MEC for transport and community safety, Florence Radzilani, announced a decrease of 20.8% deaths on Limpopo roads for the 2022 festive season.

This followed the national release of festive season statistics by Minister Fikile Mbalula on Tuesday, January 17. National statistics showed a vast improvement and progress.

Radzilani used the opportunity, on behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government to send her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of road accidents.

She indicated that this reduction is not a small feat, by any stretch of the imagination, and said her department will continue to institute measures and mechanisms to ensure that Limpopo roads are always safe. Of the 179 lives that were lost, 40 of them died in the Waterberg District, 45 in Capricorn, 30 in Mopani, 25 in Sekhukhune and 39 in Vhembe.

Radzilani raised her concerns about the Mopani District which is surprisingly accounting for more accidents on the roads, for the second year running.

She said they will focus on road safety campaigns in Mopani to change the situation around.
“Last year’s figure stood at 216 during the festive season. We are encouraged by the 20.8% decrease in fatalities, and this gives us hope, as we chant forward with our programmes of ensuring road safety, during peak periods.”
Radzilani said, “Of the 179 deaths recorded on the roads during this festive period, 60 of them were pedestrians. These normally happens after hours, during weekends, and it confirms our suspicions that the majority of these victims, could have been under the influence of alcohol.”

She thanked the municipalities for their co-operation, the SAPS, the newly formed border management agency, the Department of Home Affairs and Correctional Services, the Trucking Association of South Africa, Santaco, Road Traffic Management Co-operation and many others for ensuring safety on the roads.