MBOMBELA – The creation of platforms to debate vigorously on road safety measures are fundamental to ensure that South Africans are safe on the roads.
This was spelled out by the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe during the annual road-safety debate held at the Nuttinghouse Lodge recently.
That was learners drawn from all nine provinces who debated on issues aimed at alleviating road car ages on national roads in the country. “It is vital that we build safety through integrated programmes like these which eventually lead up to the socio-economic development of the country.
This is to ensure that South Africans are always safe on our roads, but that initiative needs all of us to participate in. “Road accidents are mostly as a result of human error, hence I appreciate the contribution from these young minds who have demonstrated to us that they fully understand the problem at hand.
They have demonstrated and proven that they have done thorough research on the subject matter. You are worthy ambassadors of road safety and my dire wish is that it should transcend to the entire community of South Africa,” said Shongwe.
He further reiterated that the earners have exposed the ignorance that exists within our society. “You thus now qualify to join the fight against crime and road safety and that you, as individual teams have fully complimented each other throughout these debates.
“When you interact on your social networks, talk about crime and condemn it and also condemn irresponsibility against irresponsibility against road safety, then this country will be the best to live in.
You are our ambassadors and also our hope for the future,” he said. Buscor’s managing director, Ms Norah Fakude-Nkuna said; “The main challenge we face on our roads is speed. We do not need to rush on the roads, but have to exercise patience.
Accidents are becoming a thorn in the side of all South Africans on the roads, hence we lose breadwinners in the process. “It is thus in our company we put emphasis on safety on our buses.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. The number of deaths has to stop and it is everyone’s responsibility that we achieve our goals do decreasing road carnage,” she said. Ms Nalene Maharaj from RMTC said, “I like the enthusiasm demonstrated by the learners, all of you are winners tonight.
We want to reduce road accidents by 50 per cent and also to showcase the skills displayed here tonight. I also want to encourage the learners to participate in all earnest to be contributory entities in the success attained by the country during our 20 years of democracy.”
