The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Western Cape together with Provincial Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku have launched a road safety campaign under the theme Your Safety, Our Priority, as millions of South Africans prepare to board taxis for their long-distance trips.

The campaign aims to promote safer driving practices, reduce road accidents, and protect the lives of passengers, drivers, and pedestrians during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Speaking during the launch in Philippi, last Friday, December 13, Santaco regional chairperson Mandla Hermanus told drivers to obey the rules of the road and get enough rest.

“The idea is to encourage our operators, our drivers to take extra precautions, especially during the festive season where there is going to be a lot of movement of people from the Western Cape to other provinces and to the Eastern Cape in particular. We did inspections to check the condition of the vehicles that will embark on the long distances. We want to encourage our operators to rest, and to ensure that our vehicles are roadworthy to prevent road fatalities,” he said.

Mr Hermanus said there will be increased vehicle inspections at all long-distance terminuses.

“Taxi drivers will be encouraged to adhere to traffic laws, drive responsibly, and manage fatigue. There will also be increased vehicle inspections to ensure taxis are roadworthy and meet safety standards. We have also put in place public education initiatives to ensure passengers are comfortable and encouraged to speak up against unsafe driving practices, to take note of vehicles and contact details, and report reckless behaviour,” said Mr Hermanus.

He said there will be support for traffic officers in monitoring key taxi routes and enforcing compliance with road safety regulations.

“The festive season ushers in a period of joy and celebration, but it also comes with an increased risk of road accidents due to higher traffic volumes and long-distance travel. As the minibus taxi industry plays a critical role in transporting millions of South Africans, this campaign seeks to prioritise safety to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely.”

Mr Hermanus made a call to all stakeholders in the minibus taxi industry, including drivers, operators, and associations, to participate in the campaign.

Mr Sileku emphasised the importance of vigilance on the roads.

“We need to save lives. It cannot be the norm that every year we lose lives. I want us to take the responsibility of transporting people to their loved ones. It is a very joyous time. It is a time to reconnect with our families. Most of the people that will be transported have been out of their provinces for years because they have been here to work. They are looking forward to meeting their families. It is our responsibility within the public space, to make sure they arrive alive safely,” he said.

After speeches and interviews, vehicle inspections were conducted at the Joe Gqabi long distance interchange.

Traffic officers were also on hand to distribute pamphlets and tips to the drivers.

Provincial Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku is taking a tough stance against those who flout the rules of the road.

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Campaign urges responsible behaviour on roads this holiday