KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma inspects public transport vehicles to ensure road safety ahead of the Easter holidays.
Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers
KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has sounded the alarm on road safety ahead of the busy Easter holidays and Passover weekend, promising increased law enforcement visibility and stringent checks on public transport vehicles.
Duma, who conducted a vehicle inspection at the uMdloti Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) station on Tuesday, also touted the province’s recent success in reducing road fatalities, a trend he aims to maintain during this busy religious and travel season.
He said that congregants in South Africa, including KZN, will be heading to churches for Easter.
“When they head to churches, our job is to make sure that the transport they use — buses, taxis, and small cars — are all compliant with the law,” Duma said.
He was accompanied by the head of department, Zibusiso Dlamini, who will mark his first Easter in the department.
“We have checked the roadworthiness of 17 vehicles today (Tuesday), and four are already suspended because they are not in good condition,” Duma said.
“When we look under the vehicles, we’re checking brakes, if the vehicles are leaking fluids, the tyres are in a good condition, and all those things.
“I think we are very happy that since October, accidents have decreased in KwaZulu-Natal. We have reduced them by 18%.”
Duma said that their ongoing hope is that, as they consider the Easter period, they can, at the very least, ensure that no lives are lost.
“This is part of strengthening road safety,” Duma said. “People should worship well, and those coming for holidays should arrive safely, because our province has tourism, or rather, it has adequate infrastructure for those who want to visit. And investors are investing because our roads are in good condition.”
Head of department Zibusiso Dlamini and MEC Duma oversee inspections at the uMdloti Road Traffic Inspectorate station.
Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers
Major roads, including P and D roads, were noted to be in good condition. While the N2 and N3 roads are currently undergoing extensive construction, these projects are nearing completion, with some sections scheduled to open next year. Cliffdale, for example, is expected to open in 2027.
Duma highlighted that, by working with traditional leaders and mayors in various municipalities, they are rehabilitating and repairing road networks.
“We have welcomed the additional funds of R641.3 million, which have been allocated as part of the repair of road networks destroyed by devastating floods in 2022 and 2023.
“Without sounding pessimistic, if we had enough budget, we would have ensured that the more than 34,000 kilometres of our road network is tarred and well-maintained.”
Moreover, he noted that travel times and traveller experience can be enhanced through well-maintained roads.
He said the investment of more than R353 million in the construction of King Misuzulu Road in the Battle of Isandlwana precinct, Nquthu, should be viewed within the context of improving the experience of visitors and residents.
Duma also said that they are working with the SA National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral) on that project and many others across the province.
“The overall investment of more than R50 billion in the construction of N3 and N2 is for the economic prosperity of the province and everlasting sheer experience for our travellers and residents,” Duma said.