KZN sees dramatic reduction in Easter weekend road fatalities
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has reported a significant drop in road fatalities over the Easter weekend, marking a notable improvement compared to the same period last year.
According to department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya, this improvement follows a coordinated road safety operation involving disaster management teams and traffic enforcement officials. These teams were strategically deployed to high-traffic areas, including the N3 northbound route and the Marian Hill Toll Plaza.
Speaking on the sidelines on the Marian Hill Toll plaza on Monday with Newzroom Afrika, Sibiya said: 'Last night and this morning, the MEC Siboniso Duma spoke to me and expressed his deep appreciation to the motorists who are working here tonight. He also saluted the highly efficient team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate, working in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation and national authorities.''
As part of the intensified campaign, approximately 120 traffic officers were dispatched across major routes such as the N2 and N3. These teams used advanced monitoring technologies, including the uMemezi Wezimoto, an anti-crime software that the MEC launched on Friday.
'We've been able to detect motorists masquerading as worshippers to avoid checkpoints. About 77 vehicles were impounded for operating without valid permits, 258 motorists were charged for speeding, and 13 individuals were arrested for drinking and driving,' Sibiya revealed.
He emphasised that stricter legal measures are being applied to offenders.
'The MEC said we are aiming for six-year prison sentences, leveraging the amended National Road Traffic Act to ensure that offenders face serious consequences.'
Comparing the outcomes to the previous year, Sibiya highlighted a remarkable reduction in fatalities.
''More than 15,600 cars have been stopped and checked by the teams,'' he said.
Sibiya noted that they were quite happy with how they had executed the road safety campaign.
'We had around 21 crashes and fatalities during this period last year. This year, unfortunately, there have been six fatalities—but that's still a significant improvement.'
Moreover, Sibiya said the province's heightened enforcement operations will continue over the upcoming public holidays, including Freedom Day on April 28 and Workers' Day on May 1, 2025. Authorities will maintain a strong focus on unlicensed vehicles, roadworthiness, and incidents of drinking and driving, he said.
'We don't want moving coffins on our roads,' Sibiya said.
'We've been extremely strict, and that's why the MEC has extended his gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the road safety campaign.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

The Herald
an hour ago
- The Herald
Exams delayed after thieves steal equipment from school
'As we speak now, I'm seated with the school governing body to find a solution for the examinations to continue as planned. We are using other printers which were not stolen, but they are very slow, which will delay us. 'It's sad that some older people decide to steal something that belongs to their children, so we are asking anyone for help,' she said. Mpumalanga education MEC Cathy Dlamini called for anyone with information to contact the police. 'This [theft] is a big concern as we regard schools as something that belongs to the community and needs its protection at all costs, as it involves the future of their children.' Dlamini said the theft of equipment undermines the department's efforts to ensure that schools are adequately resourced and hinders the ability of schools to effectively conduct learning and teaching. 'The department urges communities to refrain from purchasing stolen goods and to report individuals suspected of engaging in the sale of stolen items,' she said. The school has a security guard and he is said to have rushed to the nearby KaMhlushwa police station to report the burglary, but by then the thieves had already escaped.


The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Sassa ‘fraudsters' could face charges if they don't update income status
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) urged beneficiaries who no longer qualify for social grants but continue to receive payments to update their income status. It warned that failure to do so might lead to criminal charges being pursued against those beneficiaries. This follows a joint investigation with credit bureaus revealing that about 210 000 individuals have been fraudulently receiving the grant despite changes in their income status. Read more: Sassa delays June payments over undisclosed income Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said the agency discovered that some beneficiaries failed to disclose alternative incomes, with some using multiple bank accounts to separate employment earnings from grant funds. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, he urged beneficiaries who are still receiving the grants despite a change in their income to voluntarily visit their nearest Sassa office to update their income status. He noted that beneficiaries have been given two weeks [starting from June 2] to present themselves at their nearest Sassa office with the necessary documentation. 'They have to ask the Sasssa official to update their status.' Also read: Sassa announces June grant payment days He further warned that failure to comply could lead to criminal charges being pursued against beneficiaries. 'We don't want to go to that level; that is why we are appealing to them to do the right thing.' He revealed that some beneficiaries were identified as public servants. 'When it's a public servant, we have a Personnel and Salary System number, so we can trace them easily. We can block the grant and recover government resources given fraudulently.' Sassa hopes to avoid taking legal action but will assess compliance after the two-week deadline. 'We will evaluate the response rate and commitments made. A report from our fraud management unit will guide the next steps.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Sassa extends deadline to swift to new cards At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Gauteng takes the lead in child welfare through certified care facilities
Gauteng takes the lead in child welfare through certified care facilities Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development in Gauteng, Faith Mazibuko, has taken a stance against child abuse during National Child Protection Week. In a society where children continue to bear the brunt of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment, Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) stand as crucial sanctuaries of hope and healing. These centres are more than just shelters; they are structured, rehabilitative spaces where the rights, dignity, and potential of every child are protected and nurtured. In Gauteng, the Department of Social Development plays a crucial role in ensuring that these facilities not only exist but also deliver quality care in line with the Children's Act 38 of 2005. The Act defines CYCCs as facilities providing residential care to more than six children outside their family environment, using tailored programmes to meet individual needs. This umbrella includes children's homes, temporary safe care reform schools, schools of industries and secure care. While the environments may differ, the goal remains the same: to protect and rebuild lives. A home for the voiceless Children placed in CYCCs are not there by chance. These are children who have endured unimaginable circumstances, abandonment, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or trauma and those who may conflict with the law. 'Some come from families that can no longer control destructive behaviour; others are victims of substance abuse, trafficking, or domestic violence. 'Whatever the reason, these centres are a last line of defence to prevent a life derailed from turning into a life destroyed,' said Mazibuko. 'Every placement is done through a court order to safeguard the child's rights and ensure due process. 'Importantly, only registered CYCCs are legally permitted to accommodate children, another safeguard that speaks to the Department of Social Development's commitment to protecting children from further harm.' Gauteng's approach In Gauteng, the DSD not only facilitates placement into CYCCs, but also accredits, governs, supports, and monitors these facilities to ensure that children receive comprehensive services. 'The department requires rigorous registration processes that include various municipal compliance permits, health inspections, staff credentials, food safety, emergency preparedness, and clearly outlined developmental and therapeutic programmes,' said Mazibuko. 'Once inside a CYCC, children receive far more than a roof over their heads. 'The department ensures that every registered CYCC offers structured therapeutic, recreational, and developmental programmes. 'From trauma counselling and play therapy to life skills training, substance abuse prevention, and even pottery or beadwork, these activities are designed to rebuild trust, confidence, and a sense of self-worth,' said the MEC. One of the most commendable features of Gauteng's CYCC programmes is the focus on independent living programmes, particularly for older children transitioning out of care. Preparing them to re-enter society with practical skills, emotional resilience, and social competence speaks volumes about the department's long-term commitment to these young people. 'Recreational and educational programmes, like sports, drama, Indigenous games, and victim empowerment sessions, contribute to holistic development. 'These aren't luxuries; they are critical in restoring a sense of normalcy, purpose, and joy in the lives of children who have known very little of it,' said Mazibuko. The Department of Social Development's role doesn't end at registration or programme design. It remains a constant presence, providing oversight, offering support, and ensuring that every CYCC operates with integrity and compliance. 'Contact points across all regions in Gauteng emphasise the Department's accessibility and willingness to respond to community and professional queries alike,' said Mazibuko. Call to action The Gauteng Department of Social Development maintains a database of 150 accredited CYCCs, of which 141 are NPO-run and nine are Government-run. In some CYCCs, the department subsidises administration, social work and child and youth care posts. 'The existence and effectiveness of CYCCs should not be the sole concern of government Departments or Social Workers, it is a societal responsibility. 'Communities, civil society organisations, and even individuals have a role to play in reporting suspected abuse, advocating for children's rights, supporting CYCC initiatives and reporting unregistered centres,' said Mazibuko. 'As South Africa continues to grapple with high rates of child abuse and neglect, CYCCs are an indispensable component of the national child protection strategy. They are not just buildings; they are bridges. Bridges to safety, healing, and a better future. 'Let us recognise and support the life-changing work happening in CYCCs across Gauteng and ensure that every child, regardless of their past, has a chance at a dignified, hopeful future. 'As we observe Child Protection Month and Week, let us also take a moment to appreciate the work done at these centres in the care and protection of children,' said Mazibuko. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!