President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to exercise caution on the roads and foster tolerance within their communities during the Easter holiday.
In his Easter message on Thursday, Ramaphosa extended warm wishes to South Africa’s Christian denominations celebrating the holiday as well as to those using the break for rest and social connection.
He noted the importance of patience, respect and responsible behaviour to ensure a safe and harmonious holiday for all.
“As we move around our beautiful country, let us reduce speed, buckle up, rest up and leave our phones alone while we’re driving,” Ramaphosa said.
He also highlighted the need for vehicle maintenance and early travel planning to avoid rushing and to promote safer road conditions.
The Easter holiday in South Africa is historically marked by a surge in road traffic as families travel to reunite with loved ones or attend religious gatherings.
Unfortunately, this increase in movement often leads to a spike in road accidents, with reckless driving, fatigue and poorly maintained vehicles cited as major contributing factors.
The number of road fatalities over Easter weekend in 2024 was 335 – up 33 percent from 252 the previous year – while fatal crashes increased 14 percent from 207 to 236, according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
This year the holiday runs from 18-21 April.
JN/APA