MEDIA STATEMENT

MEC BHEKI CELE SUPPORTS HIBISCUS COAST ENFORCEMENT

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr. Bheki Cele has come out in full support of the “zero tolerance approach to all criminal offences” by the Hibiscus Coast Protection Services.

Cele was reacting to comments from certain sectors of the Hibiscus Coast that law enforcement operations under the command of the Director: Hibiscus Coast Protection Services and Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Coordinating Traffic Committee Mr. Victor Chetty, were having a detrimental effect on the economy of the area, and in particular tourism.

In South Africa more than 10 000 people die every year on our roads while a further 30 000 are seriously injured – costing our country more than R10 billion annually. In KwaZulu-Natal approximately 80 000 accidents resulting in nearly 2 000 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries occur on our roads every year. The consequences of collisions in KwaZulu-Natal costs South Africa an estimated R2 billion annually, which is approximately 4, 5% of the province’s Gross Domestic Product. However, these monetary costs, which can be quantified, cannot be compared to the incalculable misery of the victims and their relatives and friends in terms of hurt, distress and grief.

To this end, former KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and currently KZN Premier Mr S’bu Ndebele initiated the Asiphephe “Zero Tolerance” Road Safety Campaign, which gave birth to the national Arrive Alive Campaign, which have been major success stories.

Asiphephe has made us supremely aware of the necessity for high-visibility, 24 hour targeted enforcement, backed up by effective alignment of the traffic policing and criminal justice systems and the certainty of prosecution for every transgression. We have not reached where we want to be, but we are very clear about the road that has to be followed.

The solutions to the problems of our unacceptably high road death and injury rate are as complex as the causes of the accidents and we are looking for these solutions at a number of levels. We are still far from satisfied with the progress we have made so far. But we also know that there are no simplistic answers.

In the case of drinking and driving, alcohol is a drug that affects the central nervous system, resulting in cognitive and psychomotor impairment. It is also a drug that is readily available and socially acceptable, despite the consequences of its excessive usage. When consumed irresponsibly, it can heap a huge burden on public health and welfare, society and the family. Apart from its destructive effects on family life, it can cause unnecessary death and injury.

Although legislation allows our courts to impose fines of up to R120 000 as well as long prison sentences, we still have a high incidence of alcohol abuse on our roads. Figures show that about seven per cent of drivers and 14 per cent of pedestrians drink alcohol in excess of the legal limit at night.

The consequences of using the road when drunk can be very serious. Apart from the possibility of death or injury, the imposition of a fine and/or prison sentence can leave you with a criminal record.

In the light of the above-mentioned circumstances, all enforcement agencies, including the Hibiscus Coast Protection Services have been requested, to continue resolutely to apply “zero tolerance” to all offences and to increase visibility through the setting up of random roadblocks. These roadblocks are definitely not intended to suppress your legal right to freedom of movement but on the contrary, these enforcement initiatives are carried out to ensure your safety and the safety of other road users.

We definitely want honest law-abiding citizens to remain in KwaZulu-Natal and tourists to visit our province but on the other hand, we will not compromise the law and our working arrangements in order to accommodate certain individuals.

All of us must take responsibility for our own actions. Imagine how you would feel if your child or family member became paralyzed through the irresponsible behaviour of a motorist.

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