| 2024/11/29 |
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Media Statement POLOKWANE – The South African Police Service (SAPS) joined the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety for the launch of the 2024 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign on Thursday, 28 November 2024, in Bokisi Village, Chavani in Vhembe District. The event featured a formal ceremony and a parade with participants from various law enforcement agencies, marking the beginning of the province’s road safety initiative. The launch was led by MEC Ms. Violet Mathye joined by the Mayor of Makhado Local Municipality, Cllr. Dorcus Mboyi and Vhembe District Commissioner, Major General Eddie Van Der Walt representing the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe. Other key figures in attendance included the HOD for Transport and Community Safety, Mr. Steve Matjena, Chief Director for Transport Regulations, Ms. Jane Mulaudzi, as well as senior members from various government entities and organizations. The R578 road, a high-risk route known for road fatalities, was chosen for the event to highlight the importance of road safety by all categories in d road users. Various stakeholders, including the Chavani Tribal Authority, Provincial Taxi Council, South African National Small Bus Operators (SANSBOC), and the South African Council of Churches, voiced their support for the campaign, committing to collaborate with authorities to ensure road safety throughout the festive season. During his speech, Vhembe District Commissioner Major General Eddie Van Der Walt, reflected on the launch of the SAPS Provincial Safer Festive Season Operations in Lebowakgomo on the 27th of October 2024. He highlighted that this initiative demonstrates their readiness to ensure safety during this heightened festive season. “Each year, countless lives are lost or irrevocably changed due to reckless driving, driving under the influence, and the disregard for traffic regulations. This campaign is our clarion call to action. It is a reminder that we are not powerless in the face of these challenges,” said Major General Van Der Walt. In her speech, MEC Violet Mathye , stressed the importance of road safety, acknowledging the devastating impact of reckless driving and pedestrian accidents, particularly those involving alcohol. She emphasized the need for a zero-tolerance approach towards drinking and driving, as well as public drinking and jay-walking. She pledged that law enforcement would be present throughout the festive season to address these challenges.
The event concluded with a call to action, reinforcing the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring a safe festive season for both citizens and visitors.
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