Mpumalanga Launches United Festive Safety Drive

Mbombela – Mpumalanga has officially launched its first-ever provincial Roll Call, bringing together all traffic law enforcement officers ahead of what is expected to be one of the busiest and most demanding festive seasons. The historic gathering, held at Mbombela Stadium on Thursday, 20 November 2025, featured a powerful address by MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Jackie Macie, and a keynote speech by Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

The event drew Executive Mayors from across all districts, senior SAPS officials, municipal MMCs, transport stakeholders including BUSCOR and the Border Management Authority, as well as hundreds of provincial and municipal traffic officers.

MEC Macie: ‘Visibility Is Non-Negotiable’

MEC Macie said the Roll Call marks the beginning of an annual tradition that will precede each festive season. He thanked officers for their dedication and reminded them of their immense responsibility.

“You are the face of safety on our roads,” Macie said. “Your presence, discipline, courage and sacrifices save lives in our province.”

He revealed that Mpumalanga recorded 742 crashes and 143 fatalities during the previous festive season—slightly lower than the previous year—and stressed that the province is committed to halving road deaths by 2030, in line with the United Nations’ targets.

To achieve this, Macie announced intensified operations from Thursdays through Mondays, with additional corridor operations during peak travel periods. Twelve major high-risk routes—including the N4, R40, R573, R38 and N11—will be closely monitored.

He issued firm warnings to motorists driving without number plates and to speedsters attempting to dodge law enforcement.

“Vehicles without number plates will be impounded. Anyone caught speeding will be traced and arrested—even in their deep sleep. Asidlali siyasebenze lana,” he said.

Ports of entry such as Lebombo, Matsamo, Oshoek and Mahamba will also see heightened monitoring.

Macie further directed the Provincial Commissioner to deploy anti-corruption agents during the festive season.

“They must show no mercy—both the corruptor and the corruptee will be arrested,” he warned.

He concluded by announcing the revival of excellence awards for traffic officers, with the top performer set to win a brand-new vehicle.

Deputy Minister Hlengwa: Road Deaths a National Crisis

In his keynote address, Deputy Minister Hlengwa said the Roll Call was taking place at a painful time for the nation, with many families still grieving recent road tragedies.

“This Roll Call happens while we are mourning many lives lost on our roads. We extend our deepest condolences,” he said.

Hlengwa emphasised that road safety is a shared national priority that requires strong partnerships across all three spheres of government. He warned that road crashes continue to drain the economy and devastate families.

Citing the National Road Safety Strategy, he said road crashes cost South Africa R143 billion in 2015, rising to over R164 billion in the subsequent years—highlighting “a stubbornly sticky crisis”.

He said the solution lies in three pillars:

professional traffic enforcement, safe road infrastructure, and behavioural change among road users.

“The safety of people and cargo rests on the shoulders of the men and women in this force,” he told officers, stressing the need for integrity, ethical conduct, modern tools, safe working conditions and continuous training.

Infrastructure, AARTO and Intergovernmental Cooperation

Hlengwa noted that major national road upgrades are underway in Mpumalanga and the rest of the country. He welcomed the recent transfer of certain provincial roads to SANRAL for improved management but emphasised that provinces must eventually be able to sustain their own road infrastructure through the equitable share.

He reaffirmed that the long-delayed AARTO demerit system is scheduled for launch in July 2026, calling it a critical step in reducing reckless driving.

“A sustainable solution to road fatalities depends on better behaviour by road users and safer road infrastructure,” he said.

The Deputy Minister pledged national support to Mpumalanga and other provinces to resolve challenges affecting road safety: “These challenges must be collectively resolved by all of us. We are committed to supporting every province.”

United Front for a Safer Festive Season

Both leaders praised the collaborative spirit displayed at the Roll Call and urged officers to approach the festive season with discipline, professionalism and renewed commitment.

“Every family that arrives home safely is a victory,” said MEC Macie. “Let us protect lives with pride, honour and dedication.”

The combined message from provincial and national leadership was clear: Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and this festive season Mpumalanga will leave nothing to chance.