 
SPEECH BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, MR S’BU NDEBELE DURING THE 2002 EASTER HOLIDAY ROAD SAFETY LAUNCH28 March 2002
KwaZulu-Natal Head of Transport, Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa Two days ago a very promising young chartered accountant was cremated in Durban at Clare Estate. The young man died a very gruesome death with his girlfriend when his BMW Z3 slammed into a bridge pillar in what is alleged to have been a drag racing incident with another motorist who is still being wanted by the police. I am using this incident to make a very strong appeal once again to all motorists inside and outside KwaZulu-Natal to stop taking part in drag races and all other dangerous pastime activities. Our commitment to save lives will be an unbalanced seesaw if it is not complemented by your personal and collective efforts to save your own lives and those of other people. The KZN Department of Transport is committed to saving lives, which is why we will be very harsh with people who put the lives of other people at risk. We will liase with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to ensure that stiff sentences are meted out to all those who are found guilty of dangerous and risky driving behaviour. Having said that it is important to highlight the results our efforts towards saving lives and how we have planned for these Easter Holidays. Figures released from the National Department of Transport last year indicated that during the five days over the Easter weekend in 1999, 35 people in KwaZulu-Natal lost their lives. During the same period in year 2000 this figure was reduced to 28, a saving of seven lives – which was more than a life over this short period. That constituted a 20% reduction and even super ceded our overall reduction of 16% in fatal crashes between 1998 and 1999. This was more than our target of 14 % per annum reduction in fatalities over a five-year period and indicates that we are still on track towards achieving the saving of 3 500 lives and R4.1 billion by the end of this year in our road safety programme. As part of our ongoing effort towards saving lives, I am pleased to announce to you the following areas that our Department will focus upon as part of our Easter Programme: REST STOPS (DROWSY DRIVERS DIE) The purpose of the rest stops is to provide all motorists (light; heavy and public passenger transport) with a safe area especially on alternate routes to stop and get out of the vehicle for at least 10 minutes. I am urging all drivers to take a break at least every two hours or 200 kilometres. LONG DISTANCE TAXI RANK DRIVER AWARENESS PROGRAMME This is done in conjunction with the provincial taxi task team. The rank managers are trained to carry out a pre-trip inspection before embarking upon long journeys. The dangers of overloading as well as the correct usage of tyres are also discussed. The taxi rank awareness programmes are followed up by the Community Road Safety Councils. THE BOOZE BUS CAMPAIGN Law enforcement officials will be deployed at strategic locations throughout the Province. PEAK HOLIDAY TIMES The Arrive Alive Easter Campaign runs from 20 March 2002 – 2 April 2002. The National Arrive Alive traffic information centre will be operational on a 24-hour basis. The following communication campaigns will take place over the Easter period.
In conclusion, let me say that through the effective co-operation of all role-players, a proper coordination of efforts and a holistic approach we believe that we are definitely achieving our objective, and reducing levels of trauma on our roads. I thank you.
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