106 motorists arrested for DUI in Newcastle: A step towards safer roads

KwaZulu-Natal's MEC for Transport, Siboniso Duma, has praised the province's law enforcement agencies for their decisive action over the weekend, resulting in the arrest of 106 motorists for driving under the influence in Newcastle. 

This commendable operation reflects Duma's ongoing campaign to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities on South African roads.

Addressing the media, MEC Duma expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by law enforcement. "By 01:30 this morning, the team exhibited a high level of firmness and a commitment to protecting innocent road users from reckless drivers," he stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining safety standards on highways and roads.

The alarming statistics from public records emphasise the urgency of Duma’s campaign: in 2022 alone, 12,436 road fatalities were documented, and over 100,000 people suffered serious injuries annually. Males represented a staggering 75% of these fatalities. "These individuals have inflicted suffering on many families, creating widows, orphans, and individuals living with disabilities," Duma lamented.

The drive to enforce road safety regulations has been bolstered by critical collaboration with Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, aiming to strengthen multidisciplinary operations throughout this Transport Month and into the upcoming festive season. 

"We have a responsibility to deal decisively with those who undermine public safety through excessive alcohol consumption," the MEC asserted.

In a significant development, the MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi, has arranged for health professionals to administer blood samples during these operations, ensuring the successful prosecution of offenders. 

"We are working together to ensure a remarkable reduction in trauma unit admissions due to alcohol-related injuries," Duma said.

Alongside the focus on drunk driving, MEC Duma also addressed the tragic loss of two pilots in a recent aircraft crash in the KZN Midlands. Expressing his condolences, Duma emphasised the profound impact on families, particularly highlighting the grief of Mayank, a 28-year-old Indian national, described as the only son of a devastated family. 

"We can only imagine the pain of waiting for the remains of your only son, who died tragically in the mountains of another country," he shared, extending prayers to both families affected by the tragedy. While the global demand for pilots is set to surge, with estimates suggesting that between 267,000 and 660,000 new pilots will be needed over the next 10 to 20 years, Duma expressed his commitment to supporting South Africa's aviation sector.

"As the Department of Transport, we will engage with South African Airways, the South African Aviation Authority, and aviation schools to establish a provincial pilot population register," he announced. This initiative aims to ensure that the next generation of pilots is prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly growing industry.

In an effort to facilitate communication with the bereaved family in India, Duma has established a WhatsApp group to streamline information sharing with key stakeholders. This ensures that family members are kept updated throughout the repatriation process of Mayank's remains. Striving to ease the burden on grieving families, the MEC highlighted his office's responsibility to stand with them during their difficult time.