Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa announced measures to prevent road fatalities during the Easter holidays after meeting Zion Christian Church leaders in Moria outside Polokwane, Limpopo. Officials anticipate heavy traffic on the N1 and R71 roads as a million pilgrims attend conferences at ZCC and Saint Engenas ZCC sites. Authorities aim to replicate last year's zero fatalities on the N1.
Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa addressed road safety efforts following his engagement with Zion Christian Church (ZCC) leadership in Moria, Limpopo. He highlighted the expected influx of pilgrims, noting high volumes on key routes like the N1 and R71 leading to the ZCC and Saint Engenas ZCC Easter conferences.
Hlengwa expressed optimism for no road deaths on the N1 this year, as achieved previously. "We were here last year as well, and as you know, we did not register a fatality on the N1 in the Easter period, and that is because of the ongoing work that we are doing," he said. He urged law enforcement to enforce rules strictly, targeting drinking and driving and speeding, which account for 86% of national road fatalities.
"We are encouraging law enforcement officers to meet out the consequent management of the law to the fullest," Hlengwa added.
Limpopo's MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, who joined Hlengwa, confirmed roadblocks across major routes and the mobilization of traffic enforcement trainees alongside SAPS. "We have mobilised resources, we have even mobilised traffic law enforcement trainees in their areas, colleges of the province," she stated.
Local hawker John Manaka along the R71 voiced excitement over the economic boost from pilgrims stopping for food and snacks. Transport Minister Barbra Creecy is scheduled to visit Limpopo on Thursday.
