Latest news with #BobbyRamagwede
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
AA launches road safety week
In celebration of the United Nations Global Road Safety Week beginning on May 12, the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) is initiating a special Road Safety Week campaign centred on creating safer environments for vulnerable road users, especially children, pedestrians, and cyclists. The flagship event will be a high-level panel discussion supported by the FIA Foundation, designed to shed light on the critical issues faced by these groups and explore practical solutions to improve safety on South African roads. Read more: Nedbank cyclists represented at annual Youth Festival The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Pedestrians account for nearly 40% of annual road fatalities in South Africa, with children aged five to 14 being among the most vulnerable. Road traffic injuries are one of the leading causes of death within this age group. Cyclists, often navigating roads lacking dedicated infrastructure and proper visibility, face heightened risks of injury and fatalities. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted safety interventions and infrastructure investments to protect those most at risk. A central feature of the event will be a presentation of the 'Walking Safely to School' (WATCH) project in Mamelodi, Tshwane. This community-driven initiative, developed through a partnership between AA South Africa, ChildSafe South Africa, and supported by the FIA Foundation, demonstrates how simple yet effective infrastructure improvements can significantly reduce risks for schoolchildren. By creating safer walking routes, this project aims to promote safer, healthier, and more accessible means of travel for children heading to school. Also read: Volvo Trucks' new safety system aims to protect cyclists, pedestrians Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of AA South Africa, emphasised the importance of listening to communities' needs: 'The fact that so many children walk to school without suitable infrastructure is unacceptable. We need urgent, long-term investments in road safety – and that starts with engaging directly with those most affected.' The event will also feature discussions on road safety data and trends in South Africa, the existing gaps in infrastructure, and proven safety measures that can be implemented to reduce accidents involving children, pedestrians, and cyclists. The panel will explore the lived experiences of vulnerable road users, highlighting the importance of civil society's role in shaping policies that foster safer transport environments. Lessons learned from local projects, including the Mamelodi initiative, will be shared to inspire further action. To complement the event, a digital campaign will be launched encouraging South Africans to share their walking routes, identify unsafe areas, and advocate for municipal action using hashtags such as #MakeWalkingSafe, #MakeCyclingSafe, and #SafeStreetsSA. Through these efforts, the AA aims to raise awareness and galvanise support for safer, more inclusive streets that protect the most vulnerable. By fostering community engagement, advocating for infrastructure improvements, and promoting a culture of safety, the organisation hopes to create a lasting impact that ensures every child, pedestrian, and cyclist can navigate South African roads safely and confidently. 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: A warning that help drivers from dooring cyclists At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Joburg's Rea Vaya BRT in peril with R313m public transport grant at risk
The City of Johannesburg has come under fire following the loss of a R313m public transport grant due to chronic operational failures in the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The Automobile Association (AA) has labelled the forfeiture 'a blow to road users, low-income commuters, and public confidence', highlighting growing concern over the city's ability to manage its faltering transport infrastructure. Related: All of the CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Used Buys for 2025 The lost grant — originally earmarked to support and expand the Rea Vaya network — was forfeited after Johannesburg failed to meet operational and performance criteria. The AA warns this is more than a bureaucratic hiccup and is a missed opportunity that directly affects thousands of residents who rely on public transport to access work, education and basic services. Looking for a new set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag. 'This is not just a financial loss; it's a missed opportunity to improve the lives of thousands of Johannesburg residents who depend on public transport,' says AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede. The Rea Vaya system has long been troubled by incomplete corridors, limited routes and underutilised buses, leaving many commuters stranded or forced to rely on more expensive alternatives like minibus taxis, which have seen fare hikes. With the Gautrain only serving select areas, affordable mobility options are dwindling fast, especially for lower-income groups. For Johannesburg's increasingly congested roads and growing population, this setback is particularly damaging. The AA notes that the grant's loss is 'a chronic inability to plan, execute and maintain public transport systems with integrity, transparency, and accountability'. Related: 2025 Toyota GR Yaris Pricing Unearthed The consequences stretch beyond infrastructure. Without a reliable, inclusive public transport system, residents are nudged further towards private car use, putting added pressure on already strained roadways, increasing safety risks, and further harming the environment. This comes at a time in the country's history where it is grappling with precarious fuel costs, steep vehicle maintenance expenses and underdeveloped road infrastructure. The AA is calling on the City of Johannesburg to urgently prioritise rehabilitation of the Rea Vaya system and engage with civil society and national government to reset the course of public transport planning. 'We cannot afford to waste time or resources,' says Ramagwede. 'Johannesburg residents need a transport system that works — and leadership that makes it happen.' Browse thousands of new and used cars here with CARmag. The post Joburg's Rea Vaya BRT in Peril With R313 Million Public Transport Grant at Risk appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
AA warms of ‘significant implications' of underfunding Rea Vaya bus service
The Johannesburg municipality says minibus taxis still account for 91% of monthly trips, leaving Rea Vaya and Metrobus lagging behind. The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) is lamenting a potential public transport crisis brewing in Johannesburg. The entity accused Rea Vaya of mismanagement, which has dented public confidence and impeded low-income commuters. Despite having millions earmarked for bus services in the coming financial year, the AA believes more needs to be done to provide customers with an attractive public alternative. 'Not just a financial loss' The AA stated that the Johannesburg municipality had lost more than R300 million from a public transport grant due to operational failures. 'Originally earmarked to support and expand the Rea Vaya network, the lost funding carries significant implications, not only for the city's mobility agenda but for road users, particularly for low-income commuters who rely on affordable and reliable transport options,' stated the AA on Monday. 'This is not just a financial loss, it's a missed opportunity to improve the lives of thousands of Johannesburg residents who depend on public transport to access work, education, and essential services,' stated AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede. The AA added that the cost of private vehicle ownership was prohibitive and that public transport was a vital avenue for the personal movement of the poor. 'The implications of this funding go beyond mismanagement: they highlight a chronic inability to plan, execute, and maintain public transport systems with integrity, transparency, and accountability,' the AA added. Budget for Rea Vaya and Metrobus In the Johannesburg municipality's 2025/26 Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the city states that 10.2 million trips are made monthly via minibus or taxi. The city states that this accounts for 91% of all public transport trips in Johannesburg, leaving Rea Vaya and Metrobus trailing. The IDP states that Metrobus serviced 3.3 million passengers via 229 routes in the last financial year, while the Department of Transport aims to have Rea Vaya facilitating 13 million passenger trips annually by the end of the year. Rea Vaya's proposed budget for the coming year includes R12.5 million for land acquisition, R25 million for station rehabilitation and R150 million for an automated fare collection system. For Metrobus, at least R90 million has been proposed for the entity for the next financial year, including R32 million for new Metrobuses. New route to success The AA's sentiments suggest that the funding would be in vain if Rea Vaya did not develop a clear vision of its future. 'Without decisive action and a turnaround strategy, Johannesburg risks further isolating low-income communities and increasing reliance on private vehicles, which could worsen traffic congestion, road safety risks, and environmental strain,' the AA stated. The entity called for engagement with civil society and collaboration with national stakeholders to help realise Rea Vaya's potential. 'We cannot afford to waste time or resources. Johannesburg residents need a transport system that works — and leadership that makes it happen,' NOW READ: R140m Rea Vaya depot stalls as informal settlement blocks progress
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
AA reports 45. 6% drop in road deaths during Easter weekend 2025
The AA has commended law enforcement departments for the decline in road deaths during the past Easter weekend Image: Western Cape Government The Automobile Association (AA) has expressed optimism following the encouraging statistics from the Easter 2025 period, which showed a remarkable decrease in vehicle collisions and fatalities on South African roads. The positive outcomes of this period are attributed to enhanced planning, robust law enforcement, and effective partnerships aimed at saving lives. According to official statistics, road crashes plummeted by 32.5% while fatalities saw a stunning decline of 45.6% compared to Easter 2024. This is the lowest number of fatalities recorded during the Easter period in the last three years, representing a significant milestone for road safety advocates across the nation. 'We commend all those who played a role in this outcome—from government departments at all levels, to civil society organisations, public transport operators, law enforcement officers, private sector stakeholders, and community leaders,' said AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede. 'Through coordinated efforts, we are finally beginning to see measurable improvements in road safety.' The success of the campaign launched in anticipation of the Easter peak travel period establishes a promising precedent for the remainder of 2025. The AA attributed these achievements to a combination of high-visibility law enforcement and impactful public education initiatives such as the #GotHomeSafe campaign, which significantly influenced road user behaviour. During this Easter travel period, law enforcement reported that 2,018 vehicles were discontinued and 1,536 vehicles were impounded. These figures highlight ongoing concerns about the roadworthiness of vehicles in South Africa. In response, the AA has reiterated its longstanding call for annual roadworthy testing for all vehicles, which currently only requires assessment at the point of sale or upon ownership change. 'Removing unroadworthy vehicles from our roads is as important as promoting responsible driving,' Ramagwede emphasised. 'A vehicle in poor mechanical condition is a threat to everyone. Annual roadworthiness testing will be a critical step toward reducing crashes and fatalities caused by mechanical failure.' Although the overall decline in crashes and fatalities is a cause for celebration, the AA raised alarm over the rise in fatalities in Mpumalanga and the concerning statistic that nearly 50% of all road fatalities now involve pedestrians. These figures highlight the urgent need for intensified awareness campaigns targeting vulnerable road users and improving infrastructure and law enforcement in high-risk areas. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕
