SPEECH BY KWAZULU-NATAL MEC FOR TRANSPORT, COMMUNITY SAFETY AND LIAISON MR. BHEKI CELE AT THE SUMMER HOLIDAY ROAD SAFETY LAUNCH AT PORT SHEPSTONE ON FRIDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 2004.

Historically the Christmas / New Year period in KwaZulu-Natal results in an influx of people from all over South Africa, as well as international tourists. Also, during this period migrant workers travel home, especially to KZN and the Eastern Cape to spend time with their families. 

This influx of people results in increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Annually during this period, South Africa is faced with a number of road deaths, as a result of road crashes, many of which could have easily been avoided. 

This state of affairs is totally unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue. Therefore, I am proud to announce today that we are moving from "ZERO TOLERANCE 2 100% COMPLIANCE", for all road traffic laws. Should there be anything less than 100% compliance, you can be rest assured that you will be caught and punished. In the case of offences such as drunk driving, there is also the possibility that your motor vehicle will be forfeited. We are also working closely with the department of justice and looking into imposing sentences of community service instead of allowing offenders to be let off the hook by merely paying fines. So make no mistake – just comply 100%. If you commit any traffic offence, you can be rest assured that you will be caught and punished. 

I also wish to announce a change in the name of our "Omela Ngasekhaya" programme, to "Omela eKhaya". The reason for this is simply that people who are under the influence of alcohol are much safer right at their homes than anywhere else. 

This programme will target both pedestrians and drivers by encouraging them to drink at home. Tavern owners will take responsibility for their patrons by ensuring that they do not walk or drive home drunk. The owner will provide a sleep over place or a safe sober driver to drive drunk patrons home. 

During the festive season last year, 229 people died on KZN’s roads, as compared to 254 in 2002. Over the years, an analysis of the causes of these crashes indicates that speed, alcohol, driver fatigue, reckless and negligent driving, un-roadworthy vehicles and pedestrian deaths require specific attention. 

The primary objective of our Summer Holiday Road Safety Programme is to create a safe road environment and to curb the number of road crashes during the festive season, primarily through education and enforcement. There will be visible stringent and regular enforcement operations conducted by all our law enforcement officers all over the province. 

We have also just received 189 card verification devices, which will enable our enforcement officers to scan your driving licence at the side of the road, and verify all your particulars. 

Our goal is to intensify high visibility patrols, increase law enforcement on critical offences, as well as ensure the integrated and coordinated efforts of all role-players. In order to achieve this, our departmental Holiday Planning Committee consulted broadly with all relevant stakeholders such as the KZN Coordinating Traffic Committee, SAPS, SANDF, Durban Metro Police, Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), the national department of transport (NDOT), local and district municipalities, department of health, taxi associations, TOLCON, and other interest groups. 

Operation Juggernaut commenced on 1 November and will end on 31 January 2005. This operation will target all unlicensed and un-roadworthy heavy motor vehicles, drivers without valid driving licences or PRDP’s, as well as those driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Our highly specialized Public Transport Enforcement Unit (PTEU – Operation Shanela) will be deployed on high accident frequency areas and will specifically deal with all public transport vehicles. Some of these areas are the R56 (Richmond road), R617 (Boston / Bulwer road), R34 (Richards Bay to Vryheid), R66 (Ulundi and Nongoma) as well as random pedestrian blitzes at various locations on the N2 and N3. 

I want to warn both drivers and owners of public transport vehicles, especially the bus and taxi industry to take responsibility for the safety of their passengers. Just one bus or taxi crash can result in many deaths and several injuries. You have been warned – we will show no mercy to any driver or owner who breaks the law. 

Road side courts will be operational at Cato Ridge, Umdhloti, Park Rynie and Ladysmith in order to ensure that instant justice/punishment is meted out to offending road users. 

For the first time this year, Road Safety Councils have been included in our planning sessions and have made a valuable contribution towards addressing certain road safety problems. 

Motorists are encouraged to drive with their headlamps on dip during the entire period. All law enforcement officers must lead by example. Last year's campaign encouraging motorists to drive with their lights on had successfully cut road deaths. If you are seen, you are more likely to be safe and being visible is entirely your own responsibility. 

Some of the key elements of our 2004/05 Summer Holiday Road Safety Plan include: 

1. Niyabonwa Campaign

Of the 229 people killed on the province’s roads last year, 127 (45%) were pedestrians, the majority of whom were drunk. Niyabonwa, which means "you are seen", was launched by the National Department of Transport on 4 November and is aimed at cutting pedestrian deaths in road accidents. Thousands of pedestrians die each year simply because they are not clearly visible to motorists. 40 percent of those killed in traffic accidents in the country annually are pedestrians. This campaign will address the safety of pedestrians by encouraging them to ensure that they are visible to motorists. 

2. Long Distance Driver Awareness Programme (minibus taxi’s and long distance bus operators)

This is a joint project with the KZN Taxi Council, Local Authorities, PTEU, RTI, and Durban Metro Police. All long distance taxi associations and bus operators will be provided with educational material and training on vehicle fitness, overloading, tyres, driver fatigue and so on. 

3. Sober is Safe Campaign

The target audience for this project is people partying at hotels, restaurants, clubs, etc, mainly in and around major towns and cities. Each "party "is encouraged to have a "safe sober driver" who will be responsible for the "party" to be driven home safely. Each designated driver will receive a key ring which reinforces a road safety message. He /she will also receive free soft drinks for the evening from the hospitality industry. 

4. Rest Stops

The aim of rest stops is to encourage motorists to stop and rest after every two hours or 200 kilometres in a safe area. These rest stops will be manned along the N2 and N3. Rest stops will also be set up at service stations along alternate routes.

May I also take this opportunity to thank all those who contributed towards the opening of a new truck-stop facility on Tuesday near Mooi River. This facility will assist us tremendously to address some of our road safety and associated problems on this important stretch of the N3.

5. Road Safety Prayer Days

Inter-faith prayer days will be held at major towns and cities in the province to remember those who were killed on our roads as well as their families and to pray for safety on our roads.

6. Road Safety Beach Festival

Our Road Safety Directorate in conjunction with other stakeholders will host a major awareness campaign at the Ethekwini beach front, from 20 December until 1 January 2005. Messages on alcohol consumption, pedestrian behaviour, fatigue and AIDS will be reinforced. Students and matriculants are urged to control their emotions and not to become another road statistic this Christmas.

Finally, I am sure that you will agree that we have gone all out to ensure your safety on our roads this festive season. I want to reiterate that we will show no mercy to any person who blatantly disregards the law and we will ensure that they receive the punishment they deserve.

However, "Road Safety is Everybody’s Responsibility" and I want to encourage each and every one of you to do your part and save a life this festive season.

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