As the ANC gears itself up for a massive birthday celebration in Mbombela this weekend, reports indicate that most accommodation spots are already fully booked from January 12 to 14.

These reports bode well for tourism and many small businesses in and around the City.

However, the Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, is calling on motorists who will be coming to the capital city for these celebrations to obey the rules of the road to avoid the deaths and injuries emanating from motor vehicle crashes.

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“We are excited to welcome visitors and party members to the Place of the Rising Sun. However, we want them to be safe on the road. This will only happen when they obey the rules, do not drink and drive, ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles and rest sufficiently along the road, particularly when doing long trips,” says Shongwe.

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He also mentions that the Festive Road Safety Campaign is still being fully implemented, because besides the governing party’s celebrations, many more people are expected to be on the road as schools reopen next Wednesday.

“Our law enforcement will be on extreme alert this weekend to respond to any eventuality.”