Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
27 March 2025 | 13:30 CAT
2 min read

With the Easter period approaching, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has intensified efforts to curb road accidents, particularly those involving religious groups traveling for Passover and Easter services. Increased traffic volumes are expected not only in KwaZulu-Natal but also in other provinces such as Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.

Following recent tragic bus crashes, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Siboniso Duma, has emphasised the importance of increased traffic law enforcement visibility and collaboration with faith-based organisations. The department believes that coordinated efforts, including structured travel plans and improved communication, can significantly enhance road safety during this time.

Speaking to Radio Islam, departmental spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibia highlighted the proactive measures being taken. “At the end of the day, it is the religious leaders that preside over funerals of departed members of society. That is why the MEC is emphasising the importance of working with leaders of faith across all corners of the province,” he said.

Sibia revealed that a crucial meeting took place, bringing together a “highly efficient team” from the Road Traffic Inspectorate and representatives from district municipalities to plan the launch of the Easter road safety campaign. “The MEC has mandated the team from Road Traffic Inspectorate to work with the traffic officers from Mandeni Local Municipality, Stanger Local Municipality, Ilembe District, and eThekwini Municipality just to plan the launch of the road safety campaign for the Easter holidays,” he said.

The spokesperson confirmed that law enforcement officers would be highly visible across the province. “The visibility of law enforcement officers, the roadblocks across the province, is what we are going to see before and during the Easter holidays,” he added.

One of the major concerns is the use of unroadworthy vehicles for passenger transport. Sibia explained that measures are in place to address this issue. “We are pleading with faith-based organizations to do proper checks and balances and ensure the identification of vehicles that must be used during the Easter holidays. They must also alert us as the Department of Transport so that we can conduct roadworthiness checks on all those buses and minibus taxis,” he said.

The department is also addressing corruption in the issuing of roadworthiness certificates. “There is widespread corruption associated with the issuing of roadworthiness certificates. The department will be intensifying the fight against fraud and corruption in this regard,” Sibia stated.

Additionally, the department is launching a call center to allow the public to report unsafe vehicles and suspicious activities. “Today at 10:00, the MEC will launch a call center for the department of transport in the province. They will be issuing media statements and publicizing the number so that listeners can also contact the call center and give us tip-offs if they see unscrupulous roadworthiness certificates being issued,” he said.

Addressing the importance of responsible driving, Sibia urged all motorists to prioritise safety. “Think about the next person. When you are behind the steering wheel, think about other motorists. Think about your family. Think about your relatives. Think about the other person’s family and relatives. Road fatalities are creating widows and orphans,” he said.

He further cautioned against distracted driving, highlighting the dangers of mobile phone use while on the road. “Stop using a cell phone, texting, using WhatsApp, checking Facebook while driving. Very dangerous. Anything can happen while you are typing that word in your cell phone. Make sure that you put your cell phone away and concentrate on the road so that you arrive at your destination safely,” he said.

With the Easter holiday period being a high-risk time for road users, the department is urging all travelers to comply with road safety regulations and remain vigilant to prevent further tragedies.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Junaid Kharsany and Ndabezinhle Sibiya KZN Transport department Spokesperson, here.