With the festive season officially upon the country, transport hubs are once again buzzing with activity as thousands of travellers make their way to holiday destinations and family homes.
At Johannesburg’s Park Station, one of the country’s busiest transport interchanges, long queues, packed waiting areas and fully booked buses signal the start of the annual festive travel rush. Travellers from different parts of Johannesburg and beyond are embarking on long-distance journeys, many eager to reunite with loved ones after months and in some cases years apart.
There was a sense of excitement and anticipation among commuters as buses departed for destinations across South Africa and the region. Some travellers told Newsnote they were relieved to finally be going home after a demanding year, while others said the festive period offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with family members they seldom see.
Among them was Jan Chieg from Senegal, who described his journey as deeply emotional. Chieg said he will be seeing his children for the first time in eight years, after prolonged periods of separation due to work and travel constraints.
He said the festive season holds special meaning for him, as it allows him to reunite with his family and celebrate milestones he has missed over the years.
“I’m from Senegal, I’m very happy to be here im going to Springbok but I will start at Upington,” he said.
“I have two children here they are twins that’s why I left my country to come back because I was here in 2017.”
He said he left after he was sick but years later he has recovered and finally made it to see his family.
Another traveelers from Germiston to Kokstad in Free State were also as ecstatic.
“Im also excited when its time to go home my brother this is the time to see our loved ones we haven’t seen in a long time,” said one traveller.
Another old woman travelling with her four grand children was happy to share her expectations about going home.
“We are going to Mount Frere we hope to travel safely with my grand children.”
The festive travel period is traditionally one of the busiest on South Africa’s roads and public transport networks. Government and transport authorities have consistently warned that increased traffic volumes, long-distance travel and fatigue contribute to a higher risk of road accidents during this time.
Gauteng MEC for Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said law enforcement agencies have already begun heightened road safety operations across major routes, urging motorists to obey traffic laws, avoid drinking and driving, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys.
“We are enhancing visibility, enforcing speed limits, and ramping up awareness in high-risk areas because too many lives are being lost on foot.”
Diale-Tlabela also urged motorists that are planning long-distance trips to avoid night-time travel, noting that most fatal crashes happen at night.
Park Station Taxi Rank where travellers are embarking for Christmas holidays.
