Limpopo hails Easter road safety as collaborative victory

Province thanks visitors, residents, and pilgrims for heeding safety calls

The Limpopo Provincial Government has lauded the exemplary conduct of visitors, returning residents, and pilgrims during the Easter weekend, attributing a significant reduction in road fatalities to widespread adherence to safety protocols.

Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba highlighted the province’s relief at the “encouraging results” achieved through coordinated efforts, particularly on the heavily congested N1 highway, which saw intense traffic between Thursday and Sunday.

“To everyone who chose Limpopo as their destination or homecoming this Easter, we extend profound gratitude,” said Ramathuba.

She praised the collective work of provincial leaders, law enforcement, traffic officers, and emergency teams, whose rigorous enforcement of speed limits and anti-drunk driving measures underscored a “zero-tolerance stance” toward reckless behavior.

Over 200 traffic fines were issued, and 15 drunk drivers were arrested, reflecting the intensity of the safety campaign.

Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, Spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene, stated that law enforcement officers remained strategically deployed on the last day of the Easter long weekend to manage traffic flow and ensure a safer journey for all road users.

With upcoming public holidays likely to trigger another travel surge, the Premier called for sustained compliance and urged pedestrians to prioritize their safety by avoiding alcohol before walking near roads and wearing visible clothing, especially in the dark.

The Premier also acknowledged the public’s role in embracing road safety as a shared responsibility, noting that behavioral shifts contributed to the positive outcome.

However, she urged continued vigilance, stressing pedestrian safety as a priority.

“Pedestrians must avoid alcohol before walking near roads and wear visible clothing, especially after dark,” she emphasised, citing nighttime incidents as a lingering concern.

With April upcoming public holidays likely to trigger another travel surge, Ramathuba called for sustained compliance: “Let’s build on this progress. Every life saved is a testament to our unity in safeguarding one another.”

The province plans to expand roadside visibility campaigns and deploy additional mobile speed cameras ahead of the next holiday period.