| 2024/12/10 |
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Media Statement POLOKWANE – As the festive season draws closer, the Premier of Limpopo province Dr. Phophi Ramathuba led the 16 Days of Activism campaign for no Violence Against Women and Children, road safety awareness activation and a mass prayer at Nwamitwa village under the Mopani District on Monday, 09 December 2024. A briefing session to outline the purpose of the event was held at Valoyi Royal House featuring Hosi Ndabezitha Nwamitwa III, MEC for Transport and Community Safety Ms Violet Mathye, Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection Major-General Samuel Manala together with Mopani District Commissioner Major General Willy Mashava, SAPS Senior officers, Traffic Police and external stakeholders. Afterwards, the entourage proceeded to a roadblock at Nwamitwa T-Junction conducted by the members of the South African Police Service and Traffic authorities who demonstrated an effective collaboration and commitment to teamwork in the pursuit of safer roads for during the heightened festive season. At the roadblock, a minibus was intercepted while operating with an expired permit and overloaded with passengers. A massive search was conducted to confirm that no harmful or illegal items were in possession of passengers. MEC Violet Mathye was actively involved, highlighting the dedication and efforts necessary to ensure road safety. “These proactive steps are crucial for increasing the safety of our citizens and the broader nation during the festive season celebrations.” Following the roadblock, the masses assembled at the Royal Khalanga Lodge Hall for the main event. Hosi, Ndabezitha Nwamitwa III welcomed everyone and indicated the challenges and high rate of fatalities that are taking place on the public roads during the festive season. “The roads are damaged and worn out because they were constructed in 1996 by the former Minister of Transport, Jeff Hadebe. There are many potholes that are also contributing to these accidents” she concluded. Numerous speakers rendered messages of support comprising of Papanyana Holdings Chairman Mr Johannes Tolo, South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Chairperson, Mr Lesiba Frans Ngwepe and Local House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders. Major-General Manala gave inputs about the taxi industry and an overview of the violence and disputes in the Mopani District Taxi Associations. “There are officials who assault and rob members of the community who own private taxis that are not operating on their routes. This is a serious crime that would be severely dealt with. Let us work together to avoid these type of incidents in the Mopani District” he concluded. Premier Phophi Ramathuba rendered a keynote address and highlighted the significant aspects during her presentation. “Mopani District is known for having the highest crime rate in Limpopo marked by high incidences of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among other criminal offences including substantial number of road accidents. “Drivers have more responsibility than doctors, when you drive this festive season, remember that any mistake you make can never be restored. SANTACO and Taxi Alliance are committed to working closely with the police and traffic authorities to ensure taxi drivers comply with road regulations to ensure that passengers reach their destinations safely.” “Moreover, Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a pressing issue in the province and requires decisive action. It is advised that both women and men exit abusive relationships instead of tolerating them. Another method to diminish violence is for organizational management to prioritize employee wellness. Violence can never be resolved through negotiation; it can only be resolved through intervention by the police and collaboration with everyone to fight it. Enjoy Christmas and New Year celebrations responsibly” concluded Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
The event concluded with a mass prayer conducted by different religious denominations to ensure the safety of all road users and combating Gender Based Violence under the leadership of Bishop Mlungisi Erasmus Malungani with a Scripture theme “I am the way, the truth and the life” from John 14:6 emphasizing the importance of seeking divine intervention in all our endeavours.
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