South Africa’s ongoing road safety issues were at the forefront of discussion during the AWARE.org Road Safety Roundtable held on 28 March at GIBS in Johannesburg. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and road safety advocates to explore strategies aimed at reducing alcohol-related accidents and encouraging responsible road usage.

Mpumalanga’s road safety statistics have sparked significant concern. During the 2024/25 festive season, the province recorded 44 fatalities from 41 crashes, reflecting a 9.7% increase from the previous year. The Ehlanzeni southern region was notably affected, with 66 road fatalities over the 42-day festive period.

Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org, stressed the urgency of addressing these worrying trends, saying, “Road safety is a critical issue that affects every South African.” He called for collaborative efforts focused on education, enforcement, and responsible decision-making to reduce alcohol-related road incidents.

AWARE.org’s Road Safety Programme has seen significant success, conducting over 10,600 roadblocks, making nearly 10,000 drunk driving arrests, and enrolling 275 offenders in rehabilitation programmes, with 95% refraining from reoffending. Partnerships with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) have played a vital role in achieving these outcomes.

Donald Baloyi, District Manager for Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS), shared the challenges paramedics face when responding to alcohol-related accidents. He noted that many fatalities occur around midnight, particularly near taverns, involving both pedestrians and drivers. Baloyi emphasised the need for corrective and punitive measures to safeguard road users.

In partnership with the JMPD, AWARE.org has introduced the Evidential Breath Alcohol Test (EBAT), ensuring that breathalyser evidence collected at roadblocks is admissible in court, thereby enhancing the likelihood of successful prosecutions and rehabilitation referrals.

Representatives from the automotive sector, including the Automobile Association, VW, and Master Drive, advocated for a zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol and road use, supporting advanced driver training and corporate collaborations to encourage safe driving practices and foster positive behavioural change.

Mmolokiemang Legodu from the RTMC reiterated the societal responsibility in tackling drunk driving, asserting, “We must all act if we see someone driving under the influence.” He highlighted that public awareness, education, and strict law enforcement are crucial in reducing road fatalities and reaching the target of halving fatalities by 2030.

The event also underscored the importance of rehabilitation programmes for offenders. These initiatives offer opportunities for reflection and can help alleviate court backlogs by diverting offenders from the justice system.

AWARE.org continues to engage stakeholders and raise public awareness, urging all South Africans to contribute to creating safer roads, making responsible decisions, and supporting initiatives that foster a culture of care and accountability on the streets.