Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
19 December 2024 | 10:56 CAT

As the festive season approaches, AWARE.org calls on South Africans to prioritize road safety and responsibility.

As South Africa heads into the festive season, a time of relaxation and reflection, the toll of road fatalities is a grim reminder of the consequences of irresponsible driving. Drunk driving, fueled by alcohol and narcotics, remains the leading cause of these accidents. Aware.org’s latest campaign, “Don’t Let Drunk Driving Be Your Audition,” aims to challenge this behaviour and promote safer roads.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Aware.org CEO Mokebe Thulo emphasized the urgent need for innovative approaches to address South Africans’ growing indifference to safe driving messages. “Our campaign leverages dramatic storytelling to capture attention,” said Thulo. “We tell real-life stories of ordinary individuals whose lives were irreversibly changed by one bad decision.”

The campaign’s central character, Mandla, made the fatal mistake of driving under the influence, leading to the loss of another’s life and his incarceration. The organization hopes to deter others from making similar choices through this poignant narrative.

Thulo highlighted the measurable impact of Aware.org’s initiatives. “We saw a slight decrease in road fatalities during the 2023-2024 period, thanks to collaborative efforts with partners like the RTMC and JMPD,” she noted. However, the fight is far from over. Alongside shock-factor campaigns, Aware.org provides educational resources on its website, aiming to equip road users with knowledge about the dangers of impaired driving.

The organization also focuses on long-term change, targeting youth under 18 to foster a society with a healthier relationship with alcohol. “Prevention is better than cure,” stressed Thulo. “We aim to help young people understand the repercussions of unsafe drinking and empower them to make thoughtful decisions.”

With three pillars—No to Under 18, Road Safety, and Sober Pregnancies—Aware.org seeks to create a society where responsible behaviour is the norm. As Thulo aptly summarized, “It’s an all-of-society problem. By working together, we can save lives and reshape attitudes.”

Aware.org’s message is clear this season: Make responsible choices, stay safe, and avoid turning life’s stage into a tragic audition.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Mokebe Thulo here.