14 October 2025 | 10:41 CAT
3-minute read

Image: eNCA

A devastating bus accident in Limpopo has once again brought South Africa’s road safety crisis into sharp focus. The accident, which claimed dozens of lives, occurred when a cross-border bus carrying mostly Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals veered off a mountainous section of the N1 and plunged down an embankment. The bus was reportedly enroute from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe and Malawi when the tragedy struck.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences to the affected families and neighbouring nations, calling the incident a “national tragedy.” For many, however, the condolences are overshadowed by a recurring question: why do South Africa’s roads continue to claim so many lives despite ongoing awareness campaigns and enforcement drives?

Speaking to Radio Islam International, road safety expert Advocate Johan Jonck from Arrive Alive said while the precise cause of the Limpopo crash will be confirmed after formal investigations, early indications suggest overloading and speeding may have played a role.

“I just read that someone said that the vehicle might have been overloaded and speeding, but we will have to wait for a proper crash investigation before we know all the facts,” he cautioned.

The incident has shone a light on a longstanding and troubling pattern. Many cross-border buses, often transporting low-income passengers from Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique, are known to operate beyond capacity in an effort to reduce costs. Jonck noted that such practices are not uncommon, sharing a recent example of a commuter reporting an overloaded bus traveling from Diepsloot to Limpopo. The report was passed on to authorities but, as Jonck indicated, it highlights a systemic failure of enforcement rather than isolated negligence.

South Africa’s roads remain among the deadliest in the world. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), more than 12 000 people die annually on the country’s roads, with December and Easter holidays typically seeing sharp increases. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks South Africa among the worst globally for road fatalities, estimating 25,9 deaths per 100 000 people, compared to 4,6 in the United Kingdom and 5,4 in Australia.

Jonck attributes this grim reality to a breakdown in both law enforcement and public accountability.

“Unfortunately, it depends a lot on effective enforcement, which means that traffic officers have to be on the roads at night,” he explained, adding that corruption, unlicensed drivers, and poor vehicle roadworthiness continue to undermine efforts to improve safety.

Beyond enforcement, Jonck stressed the importance of civic responsibility and driver awareness. South Africa’s culture of reckless driving and disregard for pedestrian safety, he said, contributes significantly to the death toll.

“We have too many drunk drivers on our roads. We have too many reckless drivers on our roads,” he said, urging motorists to adopt a defensive mindset, particularly near informal settlements where pedestrian fatalities are highest.

Experts agree that enforcement alone cannot reverse the trend. Proper road engineering, vehicle maintenance, and education campaigns are essential to building a culture of compliance.

In successful international examples such as Canada and Australia, Jonck noted that road users exhibit far greater respect for traffic laws.

“In some countries, you will not climb into a car without thinking of putting your seatbelt on,” he said, pointing to the contrast with South Africa, where seatbelt use remains inconsistent and child restraints are often ignored.

The Limpopo tragedy, though devastating, has reignited calls for urgent reform in the country’s road safety systems. As thousands of holidaymakers prepare to travel during the upcoming festive season, advocates are urging authorities to deploy more night patrols, enforce strict penalties for overloading, and intensify public education.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.