Government has issued a warning over South Africa’s most dangerous roads this festive season, in the hope it can quell December fatalities. Speaking at this week’s launch of its 2024 Road Safety campaign, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy highlighted South Africa’s most dangerous roads, reports Business Tech. Unbelievably, road accidents and fatalities cost government R205 billion in the last financial year. Of 11 883 recorded deaths on South African roads in 2023, 1 285 of them occurred over the festive season period, explained Creecy. “It is a tragic story of death and destruction, year in and year out. However, behind every statistic is a story. A life lost, a family left grieving, or a person dealing with life-changing injuries,” added the minister.

South Africa's most dangerous roads

In light of these sobering facts, the Department of Transport (DOT) is doubling its efforts and working closely with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to implement targeted interventions. The focus is on education and pedestrian safety, particularly on what the DOT identifies as South Africa’s most dangerous routes:
  • Limpopo: R71 Mankweng, R37 Mecklenburg and the N1 Naboomspruit
  • Mpumalanga: R573 KwaMhlanga, N4 Vosman and N4 Nelspruit
  • Gauteng: R21 Kempton Park
  • North West: N12 Potchefstroom and N12 Klerksdorp
  • Kwa-Zulu Natal: N2 Pongola and N2 Umkomaas
  • Eastern Cape: R61 Mzamba, N2 Libode, N2 Idutywa, R61 Umthatha, N2 Mount Ayliff, R61 Libode and N2 Umthatha
  • Western Cape: N2 Khayelitsha

24/7 Patrols

Furthermore, the minister confirmed that stringent 24/7 monitoring will be in place on these routes to curb dangerous behaviour. DOT research shows that most crashes occur late at night, weekends, and in the early hours of the morning. Most often when alcohol has been consumed. Accordingly, authorities will focus on drunk driving, speeding violations, vehicle roadworthiness and pedestrian safety. The minister says there will be zero tolerance and offenders will receive jail time. Moreover, due to our high number of pedestrian deaths. Pedestrians on the roads are warned to use only designated road crossings. They should also wear bright clothing at night and stay off the roads when under the influence of alcohol. Similarly, as the festive season kicks in, government is urging all South Africans to prioritise road safety. Buckle up, plan your holiday travels ahead of time, and avoid reckless driving. Doing this could be the difference between life and death for yourself or a loved one.