26 April 2010
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has re-iterated that South Africa will only become a country based on Ubuntu when it becomes manifest on the roads.
The minister's comments follow reports that 16 people were killed, including 15 people who burnt to death, this morning (Monday, 26 April 2010) after a minibus taxi collided with a truck near Braemar in the south of KwaZulu-Natal.
"We wish to convey our condolences to the families and relatives of those killed in the horrific road crash involving a minibus taxi and a truck near Braemar in KwaZulu-Natal this morning. We wish those injured a speedy recovery. Officials from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) will be visiting these families to provide necessary assistance to them during their time of bereavement.
"The national Department of Transport has also dispatched a team of accident investigation and reconstruction specialists to assist in the investigation of this crash.
"Road safety is not what you do to a community; Road Safety is what you do with a community. As South Africans, we pride ourselves as a nation built on Ubuntu, the spirit of humanity and consideration for others.
"However, South Africa will only become a country based on the principles of Ubuntu when it is manifest on the roads. The duty to ensure safety on our roads is everybody's business.
"As part of ensuring safer roads; as of 1 April 2010, the Department of Transport commenced with the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO). The current traffic law enforcement system is not effective and if we want to stop counting bodies on the roads every day, we have to change it. Moving violations remain among the greatest threat to road safety.
"The Department of Transport is intensifying law enforcement operations. To this end, during the past weekend (23 to 25 April 2010) alone, several public transport vehicles, including minibus taxis and buses, were removed from roads around the country for being in an un-roadworthy condition.
"In KwaZulu-Natal alone, more than 14 buses, owned by various companies, were suspended for mechanical and other defaults. Since 1 March 2010, more than 1 500 un-roadworthy vehicles have been removed from the country's roads.
"We want to warn all drivers and operators that you can run, but you can't hide," said Minister Ndebele.
Road safety is everybody's responsibility. All road users are urged to report bad driving on 0861 400 800.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050 Sello Tshipi
Tel: 012 309 3846
Fax: 012 309 3313
Cell: 073 498 6722
E-mail: Tshipia@dot.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Transport
26 April 2010
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