n an effort to safeguard schoolchildren, Puma Energy South Africa has launched the Be Road Safe Africa programme.

This initiative aims to significantly improve the safety of primary schoolchildren across the country.

The project comes in response to a rise in bus accidents nationwide, many of which have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities among learners.

According to Puma Energy SA’s spokesperson, Ashington Makau, this initiative is in collaboration with international road safety NGO Amend.

The Be Road Safe Africa programme is aligned with the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021 to 2030, seeking to reduce global road traffic fatalities and injuries by 50%.

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The initial phase of the project focuses on three schools in Mpumalanga, chosen for their proximity to Puma Energy’s operations: Maphakama Primary School in KaBokweni, Buhlebuyeta Primary School in KaNyamanzane and Masoyi Primary School in Hazyview.

The Be Road Safe Africa flagship programme takes a multi-pronged approach to addressing the alarming number of learner fatalities, including infrastructure advocacy, educational initiatives, and engagement through child ambassadorship.

“This integrated method is designed to foster a safer walking environment for learners within their schools and communities. Coinciding with Transport Month in SA, key activities ran throughout October, culminating in a unique event on October 27: The Kids’ Court and Prize-giving Ceremony,” Makau said.

The Kids’ Court initiative is a powerful tool designed to empower children and hold adults accountable for dangerous driving.

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Children were trained as road safety experts. ‘Police officers’ stopped reckless drivers outside schools, bringing them to Kids’ Court where they were questioned by ‘judges’ and required to sign a pledge to drive safely.

“Every child has the right to travel safely to and from school,” added Makau. “Through our partnership, we are taking practical, life-saving steps to protect our children and empower communities.”

Alida Venter, the founder of the Be Road Safe Africa programme, said: “Simple, proven measures such as speed bumps, pedestrian crossings and education campaigns can drastically reduce these tragic incidents. This initiative forms part of Puma Energy SA’s broader commitment to investing in community health, education and safety.”