Celebrities using star power to promote road safety at Roodepoort TVET

Education of a different kind came to South West Gauteng College’s Roodepoort campus on February 16.

Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) brought their road safety roadshow to the students’ doorsteps to encourage responsible road and pedestrian behaviour. Titled Phepha!, which is a Zulu term meaning ‘be aware’, the campaign injects a high-energy presentation to help penetrate the young minds.

To give the message some shine, TETA enlisted the services of two television celebs from Mzansi Magic’s Diep City. Vele Manenje and Obed Baloyi, who play Maureen and Ringo in the Blackbrain Pictures production, each gave a short speech on the necessity of giving their full attention to the road when either driving or walking. The talks were interspersed with selfies, a dancing crew as well as caps and T-shirts being handed out.

“We all know someone who has lost their lives to an accident. This is dear to my heart because I lost a family member to reckless driving,” said Vele. “I know that you guys are going to go from here to buying cars and houses, is that not the vision? That is why you are studying so you can buy the luxuries,” she added, highlighting the reason why the Phepha! campaign has focused on tertiary facilities.

The TETA road safety campaign began in December and ends in February, making the Roodepoort stop one of the last. “It is important to remind young people of their responsibilities on the road. I see too many young people walking and driving with things in their ears. We must know that drivers and pedestrians share the road but we must pay attention at all times,” said Obed.

The overriding message was scrawled over the merchandise handed out, which are simple guidelines for road safety. Wear bright clothing at night, don’t text while walking, don’t text while driving, drink water regularly and, of course, do not drink and drive.