Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
23 January 2025 | 14:45 CAT

South Africa’s roads claim over 1,500 lives this festive season—urgent action needed to curb the alarming rise in fatalities.

The festive season brought grim news for South African road users as vehicle fatalities surged to alarming levels, exposing deep-rooted issues in the country’s transport infrastructure and road safety measures. The Automobile Association (AA) has called for urgent interventions to address the crisis.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, Eleanor Mavimbela, spokesperson for the AA, revealed a 5% increase in road fatalities compared to the previous year. “Seventy more people lost their lives on our roads this festive season than last year,” Mavimbela stated, emphasizing the staggering total of 1,502 deaths over just six weeks.

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to halve road deaths and serious injuries globally by 2030. However, South Africa’s current trajectory is moving in the opposite direction. “We are nowhere near meeting the goal. Instead of reducing fatalities, the numbers are increasing,” said Mavimbela. She highlighted that other countries record significantly lower death tolls during similar periods, with South Africa’s figures far exceeding 300 fatalities seen in comparable nations.

Efforts by the government, including seasonal road safety campaigns, have proven insufficient. Mavimbela criticized the short-term nature of these programs, calling for consistent, year-round road safety awareness. “It should not be something that happens just before the festive or holiday season. It needs to remain top of mind,” she urged.

The AA also stressed the need for improved road infrastructure and stricter vehicle roadworthiness regulations. The association has proposed mandatory annual roadworthiness checks for vehicles during license renewals. “Mechanical failures contribute significantly to road fatalities. Ensuring vehicles are fit for purpose could save lives,” said Mavimbela.

With time running out to achieve the UN’s SDGs, the AA insists the government must declare the rising road fatalities a national crisis and adopt more effective mobility solutions. “It’s high time we go back to the drawing board,” Mavimbela concluded.

The call for action is clear: South Africa must intensify its efforts to save lives on its roads.

listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yususf Moosagoie and Eleanor Mavimbela, spokesperson for the AA, here.