Key Takeaways
- Over 100 people were arrested during roadblocks in three areas of KwaZulu-Natal on the Day of Goodwill
- The arrests were part of the #NenzaniLaEzweni campaign, which aims to root out those violating road safety laws
- 38 motorists were arrested for drunk driving in Margate and Port Shepstone, including a 74-year-old driver
- 32 people were arrested for drunk driving in Newcastle, including a policeman, firefighter, paramedic, and two teachers
- The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for transport and human settlements, Siboniso Duma, expressed satisfaction with the reduction in road accidents and praised the commitment of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) team
Introduction to the #NenzaniLaEzweni Campaign
The #NenzaniLaEzweni campaign, which translates to "what’s happening at home" in English, is an initiative aimed at promoting road safety and reducing the number of accidents on the roads of KwaZulu-Natal. The campaign, which was launched by the KwaZulu-Natal government, involves a series of roadblocks and checkpoints where traffic officers and police monitor drivers and vehicles to ensure that they are complying with road safety laws. The campaign has been ongoing for some time now, and it has already shown significant results, with a notable reduction in the number of road accidents in the province.
The Day of Goodwill Arrests
On the Day of Goodwill, which is a public holiday in South Africa, the #NenzaniLaEzweni campaign was in full swing, with roadblocks set up in three areas of KwaZulu-Natal. The areas targeted were Margate and Port Shepstone, Newcastle, and Groutville, KwaDukuza. During the roadblocks, a total of over 100 people were arrested for various traffic-related offenses, including drunk driving. The arrests were made by traffic officers from the Ray Nkonyeni local municipality, KwaDukuza local municipality, and the South African Police Service (SAPS), with support from the national traffic police.
Breakdown of Arrests
The breakdown of arrests is as follows: 38 motorists were arrested for drunk driving in Margate and Port Shepstone, including a 74-year-old driver. In Newcastle, 32 people were arrested for drunk driving, including a policeman, firefighter, paramedic, and two teachers. A further 32 motorists were arrested for drunk driving in Groutville, KwaDukuza. These arrests demonstrate the seriousness with which the authorities are taking the issue of road safety and the commitment to enforcing the law, regardless of the individual’s profession or status.
Reaction from the KwaZulu-Natal MEC
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for transport and human settlements, Siboniso Duma, expressed his satisfaction with the reduction in road accidents, which he attributed to the #NenzaniLaEzweni campaign. He praised the commitment and energy of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) team, saying that their level of commitment was "unmatched". Duma also thanked the traffic officers from the various municipalities and the SAPS for their support and cooperation in the campaign. He announced that the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation would be sustained until Easter and beyond, demonstrating the government’s commitment to promoting road safety in the province.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The success of the #NenzaniLaEzweni campaign is a positive step towards reducing the number of road accidents in KwaZulu-Natal. The campaign’s focus on enforcement and education is a crucial aspect of promoting road safety, and the support of the RTI team, traffic officers, and the SAPS is essential to its success. As the campaign continues, it is likely that more arrests will be made, and more lives will be saved. The KwaZulu-Natal government’s commitment to sustaining the campaign until Easter and beyond is a welcome development, and it is hoped that other provinces will follow suit in promoting road safety and reducing the number of accidents on their roads.