09 DECEMBER 2024
SPEECH BY PREMIER DR PHOPHI RAMATHUBA DURING THE CONTINUATION OF THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AND ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS, NWAMITWA VILLAGE, 09 DECEMBER 2024
Programme Director,
MEC for Transport and Community Safety Ms Violet Mathye,
Mopani District Executive Mayor Cllr Pule Shai
Greater Tzaneen Municipality Mayor, Cllr Gerson Phetole Molapisane,
Hosi Nwamitwa II,
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe,
SANTACO REP, Mr Ngoepe,
Archbishop Malungani, Traditional and Faith-Based Organisations,
Business Community,
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Avuxeni, Ndi matsheloni, Thobela, Good morning, Goeie more
Today, we gather under the dual banner of two critical campaigns: the continuation of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the Road Safety Awareness Campaign. Both initiatives are interconnected by a shared goal: to protect and preserve life. This festive season must not be marred by avoidable tragedies, whether on our roads or in our homes.
Programme Director, Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a scourge that threatens the safety and dignity of women, children, and vulnerable groups. As leaders, we must take a bold stance: violence has no place in our society, and the perpetrators must face the full might of the law.
To the men who raise their hands against women and children, our message is unequivocal: stop it now! Your actions shame not only yourselves but also your families and communities. We are here to declare that enough is enough. The pain endured by victims is unacceptable, and justice must prevail.
While the government has implemented laws, shelters, and support systems, we cannot win this fight alone. We call upon churches, traditional councils, civic organizations, and every community structure to stand up and speak out against this brutality. Let the spirit of Ubuntu guide us to break the silence and the cycle of violence.
Programme Director, in Mopani District and across our province, we are seeing acts of unimaginable cruelty, such as the horrific incidents at Dan Village and Callies Village. These tragic events highlight the urgency of collective action. Every man, every family, and every community must take responsibility.
We must raise our boys to respect their sisters, mothers, and all women. As parents, teachers, and mentors, let us instill values of empathy, respect, and accountability. Together, we can build a society where women and children feel safe, valued, and empowered.
As we celebrate the festive season, we are painfully aware of the dangers that lurk on our roads. Road accidents are robbing us of loved ones, breadwinners, and future leaders. The high fatality rate is a direct consequence of human behavior, speeding, drinking and driving, distracted driving, and unroadworthy vehicles.
Programme Director, the statistics are alarming, but they also reveal the potential for change. Last year, during this time, we recorded 51 accidents in the first week of December; this year, we are at 36. While this is progress, it is not enough. One life lost is one too many.
In Mopani District, pedestrians are particularly vulnerable. Liquor outlets built near major routes, such as the R36, R71, and R81, have created dangerous conditions. To the owners of these establishments, we say profit should never come at the expense of human lives.
We also need stronger partnerships with traditional leaders to prevent the allocation of settlements and businesses near major roads. Our communities must prioritize safety over convenience.
Programme Director, we have identified several high-risk areas that the Department of Transport and Community Safety will continue to hiighlight throughout the festive season.
Our strategies to address these issues include:
Educating Communities: Visiting taxi ranks, schools, and traditional imbizos to teach road safety.
Enforcing the Law: Targeting drunk driving, speeding, and overloading with regular operations.
Auditing High-Risk Areas: Conducting safety reviews of accident-prone routes for immediate interventions.
To my fellow drivers, remember, Every Day Without A Road Death (EDWARD) is not just a slogan; it is a mission. Plan your journeys, respect speed limits, and never drive under the influence. Your decisions behind the wheel can mean the difference between life and death.
Law enforcement officers, you are our frontline heroes. We urge you to remain vigilant and uncompromising in enforcing the law. Overloaded vehicles, reckless drivers, and unroadworthy taxis must not be allowed to proceed. Your presence on critical days, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays can save countless lives.
To our communities, we need you to be our partners in this effort. Report unsafe vehicles, reckless drivers, and dangerous conditions. Together, we can create a culture of accountability and mutual care.
Programme Director, as we continue the 16 Days of Activism and Road Safety Awareness Campaigns, let this be a season of solidarity, responsibility, and hope. Whether addressing the pain of GBV or the devastation of road accidents, our goals are the same: to protect and uplift our communities.
We refuse to accept violence against women and children as normal. We reject road accidents as inevitable. We have the power to change this narrative.
To the perpetrators of GBV: you will face justice. To reckless drivers: your negligence will not be tolerated. To our communities, your voices and actions can save lives.
As I conclude, I want to say to you all that, let us enter this festive season with a renewed commitment to safety, dignity, and collective action. Together, we can ensure that every home is free from violence, every road is safe, and every life is valued.
I thank you.
