Easter Road Fatalities
By Karabo Marifi
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has welcomed the 2025 Easter Road Safety Report, which reveals a remarkable 42% decline in road fatalities across the province during the holiday period. Released by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on 29 April 2025, the report highlights Gauteng’s success in reducing road deaths from 52 in 2024 to just 22 this year, marking a significant step toward safer roads.
A National and Provincial Triumph
Nationally, road fatalities dropped by 45%, from 307 in 2024 to 167 in 2025, with Gauteng leading as one of the top-performing provinces. The report, covering the period from 17 to 21 April 2025, also notes a 32.5% reduction in crashes, from 209 to 141. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi praised the achievement, stating, “The significant drop in road carnage is a clear indicator that early planning, integrated operations, and people-centred communication can deliver life-saving results.”
The success is attributed to Gauteng’s sustained road safety campaign, rolled out under the national theme “E Thoma Ka Wena, It Starts With You.” Launched on 20 March 2025, the campaign, which runs until 4 May due to multiple long weekends, focused on coordinated law enforcement and public education to curb reckless driving. “This achievement is not only a reflection of intensified and coordinated law enforcement efforts on high-risk corridors, but also of the success of Gauteng’s early and sustained road safety campaign,” the GPG noted.
Strategic Campaign Drives Change
Gauteng, with its high traffic density, adopted a comprehensive approach, integrating infrastructure improvements, enforcement, and behavioral change initiatives. The campaign saw multi-disciplinary forces, including the National Traffic Police, South African Police Service, and metro authorities, patrolling key routes like the N1, N3, and R24. Over 177,584 vehicles were stopped, resulting in 44,505 fines and 2,018 vehicles discontinued for non-compliance.
MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela emphasized ongoing vigilance, urging, “The MEC of Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela urges all road users to continue abiding by the rules of the road and avoid driving under the influence.” The campaign targeted high-risk behaviors like drunk driving, speeding, and pedestrian fatigue, with activations like the Slovo Park launch on 14 April 2025 addressing crime-prone areas.
Pedestrian Safety Remains a Concern
Despite the progress, Minister Creecy raised alarms about pedestrian fatalities, which accounted for 47% of road deaths during Easter. “Fatalities involving pedestrians [are] now the single highest cause of road accident deaths,” she said, calling for intensified local interventions. In Gauteng, efforts like the Slovo Park campaign specifically targeted pedestrian-heavy zones, but challenges persist, particularly in urban areas with high foot traffic.
The broader trend is encouraging, with a 16% decline in fatalities and a 13% drop in accidents from January to March 2025, despite heavy rains. Creecy noted, “This is an important achievement given the fact that in March, in particular, we have seen very excessive rains.” Gauteng’s infrastructure investments, such as improved road signage and lighting, complemented enforcement efforts, though vandalism of streetlights on routes like the R24 and N12 remains a concern.
Lessons from Gauteng’s Success
Gauteng’s 42% fatality reduction outpaces many provinces, with only Limpopo recording a sharper decline (from 81 to 13 deaths). The province’s strategy—combining early planning, high-visibility patrols, and public engagement—offers a model for others. The “E Thoma Ka Wena” campaign’s focus on personal responsibility resonated, with community groups and motorists contributing to safer roads.
Premier Lesufi’s leadership, emphasizing action over rhetoric, has been pivotal. His vision, articulated in the 2023 State of the Province Address, prioritizes infrastructure and safety, as seen in projects like the proposed Gauteng-Limpopo high-speed rail. Diale-Tlabela’s hands-on approach, from launching number plate reforms to tackling vandalism, underscores the department’s commitment.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While Gauteng celebrates, challenges like pedestrian deaths and infrastructure vandalism require sustained focus. The Easter campaign’s extension to 4 May 2025 reflects the need to address risks during long weekends, driven by drunk driving and heavy traffic. Creecy’s Vision Zero ambition—eliminating road fatalities—remains a long-term goal, with Gauteng’s success setting a benchmark.
The Hennops River tragedy, where three Free State police officers died in a crash on 24 April 2025, underscores the stakes. Heavy rains likely contributed, highlighting environmental factors alongside human error. Gauteng’s campaign mitigated such risks through targeted patrols, but broader climate resilience in road design is needed.
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