 
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE KWAZULU-NATAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT, DR KWAZI MBANJWA DURING THE GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR TRAFFIC OFFICERS AT THE FERNHILL HOTEL (PIETERMARITZBURG) ON 19 DECEMBER 2002
Programme Director
It is once again a great pleasure for me to be part of this graduation ceremony today for traffic officers who will be joining us permanently in our struggle to save lives on our roads in KwaZulu-Natal. However, at the same time, it is also tragic to report that since the start of the festive season on 1 December 2002, more than 588 people have already been killed on our roads in the country. Of this number, more than 125 people have been killed on our province’s roads. Of this total number 49 are pedestrians, 32 are drivers, 44 are passengers. These deaths occurred in 101 accidents. Since 1 December our RTI officers have been true to our "Zero Tolerance" policy and have charged motorists for 30 997 traffic offences of which 23 448 was for speeding, 45 for alcohol, 626 for not wearing their seatbelts and 361 for not being in a possession of a driver licence. This graduation ceremony today is therefore even more significant because it is my fervent hope that these additional officers will be able to make some difference to help us reduce the carnage on our roads during this festive season. Twenty-nine students have completed their six-month training course of which nine are female officers. In selecting students for this course, the demographics of our province were carefully considered to enable the department to provide our people with a very high standard of service delivery. The course content and examinations for this very demanding training course are conducted in terms of national standards, which are closely monitored by the National Department of Transport. The course consists of thirty six modules which includes, inter alia, the following subjects:
In addition to the department training its own officers, our training is also extended to municipalities in our province. I am pleased to see that the Hibiscus Coast Municipality has a number of students on this course. Numerous awards have been presented today to recognise above average performance. The recipients have shown great commitment and they must be highly commended. It is also pleasing to note that our female officers have made their mark and have claimed their fair share of the trophies. Presently, discussions are under way to extend the Traffic Officer’s Diploma Course to twelve months, which will allow Traffic Training Colleges to extend the practical aspects of the course accordingly. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the staff of our Traffic Training College for the professional manner in which they have performed their duties this year. The training provided by our instructors with regards to the training of Traffic Officers, Examiners of Motor Vehicles and Driving Licences is certainly of a very high standard, if not the best in the country. I am proud to announce that our Traffic Training College was recently rewarded with a service excellence award for outstanding service delivery – well done. Statistics inform us that at least 2 000 people are killed on our roads in KwaZulu-Natal each year. Nationally, the figure is 10 000 annually with an economic loss of approximately R13, 5 billion. KZN alone looses about R2 billion, which is more than the entire budget of our department in this province. Quite clearly, no sober-minded person can relax in the light of these shocking statistics. It is precisely for these reasons that year after year the KZN Transport Department comes up with innovative ways and means of saving lives on our roads under our overarching strategy of ASIPHEPHE and ZERO TOLERANCE. We are determined to tackle the problem of road fatalities and root out all criminal behaviour on our roads and for this we have received national recognition. I therefore encourage you to keep up your good work even as you go onto our roads. Always be polite and professional when dealing with road users but firm in situations that demand you to be so. We as management in the Department of Transport will do our best to support you as evidence in the betterment of a remuneration package for traffic officers as has been affected as from the 1 July 2002. An officer who dresses smartly, who takes pride in his/her uniform, who shows a high degree of self discipline and who respects others is generally perceived by the public to be an officer of integrity. Be proud of your uniform and make a difference. Your behaviour can either invite or chase away potential investors and tourists from our province. Never indulge in corrupt practices – you will be caught and you will pay the price. The KZN Department of Transport has no place for corrupt officials. They belong in jail. In conclusion, I want to congratulate all of you who have graduated today. You have joined the KZN Road Traffic Inspectorate during a very interesting period in its history. Go back to your respective work places mindful of the high professional standards the KZN Transport Department expects of you and mindful also of the trust we have placed in you. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Thank You.
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