The South African government has identified heavy alcohol consumption as a key factor contributing to the alarming rise in road fatalities. Recent statistics reveal a troubling increase in fatal accidents, prompting law enforcement agencies to boost their presence on the country’s most hazardous roads.
On Friday, Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhulekwa Hlengwa and Gauteng’s MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Deiale-Tlabela, led a coordinated initiative at the Grasmere Toll Plaza near Enadale, south of Johannesburg. This operation aimed to curb the growing fatalities on the roads, as 439 fatal crashes have been recorded this year—up 3.1% from 426 during the same period last year. The tragic toll stands at 512 deaths, compared to 499 last year, marking a 2.6% increase.
The statistics paint a grim picture, especially for vulnerable road users: 45.6% of those who lost their lives were pedestrians, followed by passengers (26.8%) and drivers (26.7%). Cyclists accounted for a mere 0.74% of fatalities. In a concerning trend, major accidents that resulted in multiple deaths, with incidents claiming five lives each, have significantly elevated the overall fatality rate.
Authorities reveal that four major crashes within this reporting period led to 30 fatalities alone. Compounding the issue, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Limpopo province collectively account for a staggering 70% of all road deaths. Gauteng leads with 19% of these fatalities, followed closely by KwaZulu-Natal at 15% and the Western Cape at 14%.
Deputy Minister Hlengwa emphasised the need for collaboration between the government, liquor establishments and event organisers. “It’s also the responsibility of those selling alcohol to ensure that people do not get into cars when they’re drunk. Just as drinking and driving is dangerous, so is drinking and walking,” he stated.
MEC Deiale-Tlabela also called for community involvement in promoting road safety, urging residents to spread the message within families and local gatherings. “You have to do these things in your families, stokvels, and anywhere else to say don’t drink and drive. These are our peers who are dying,” she said. “Yes, we are a youthful province, but we can have fun and still keep it safe. You can do biri marung at home.”
As law enforcement maintains a heightened presence across the nation’s busiest thoroughfares, the statistics serve as a sobering reminder of the human cost tied to irresponsible behaviour on the roads. With the festive season approaching, authorities continue to push for heightened awareness and community engagement to combat the deadly trend of drinking and driving.