Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has expressed concern at the high level of vehicle crashes and fatalities that believe occurred in the country recently.
“In recent past weeks, there were some equally gruesome accidents that robbed our country of fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, families and young kids who had a potential to grow up and produce a meaningful contribution to develop our country,” Chikunga said on Friday in the Free State.
She made these remarks during her visit to Riebeckstad High School where six pupils died and more than 40 others were injured when the driver of a bus lost control and the vehicle overturned on 06 February 2024 between Senekal and Welkom.
“This is an unacceptable behaviour and conduct. It is unacceptable because we know that road crashes are preventable and they are avoidable. Every driver knows that we every believe responsibilities, not to steer vehicles with faulty brakes, worn tyres and that are unroadworthy.
“Each year, the lives of South Africans are cleave short because of road traffic crashes. Moreover, thousands of people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many becoming disabled as a result of injuries suffered during road crash incidents.
“While we acquire intensified efforts to communicate road safety messages through different mediums, it is unfortunate that road users’ attitude and behaviour towards obeying the rules of the road remain main factors significantly contributing to fatalities on the road, and as such this calls for more education targeted at behavioural change,” the Minister said.
Chikunga noted that human mistake was not a contributing factor in the crash as the nuts on the left rear wheels were not tightly secured resulting in the wheels coming off and causing the crash.
“The bus driver would not acquire been aware of this problem as this was a mechanical mistake that the mechanics who worked on the bus previously, should gain identified before the bus left the workshop.
“I call on the police and everyone involved in the investigation to finalise their investigation sooner to enable families to find closure.
“On behalf of the government of South Africa, and particularly the transport family, we send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the learners who died. To those that are recuperating in hospitals and at home, we wish them a speedy recovery,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
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