EAST LONDON- The Eastern Cape Department of Transport and Department of Health successfully launched the 2024 Festive Season Arrive Alive campaign on 22nd November 2024 at Ntabozuko-N2.
The campaign aims to reduce road fatalities and ease the load on health-care facilities during this festive season, Eastern Cape Department of Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha and Department of Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa led the launch, which included a heavy clampdown on drunk driving, negligent and reckless driving. Department of Health also handed over 46 ambulances and 3 helicopters to combat road fatalities.
Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Festive Season Arrive Alive campaign, MEC Capa said, “We are here at the Arrive Alive campaign as health department to prepare ourselves for the festive season, however we also encourage people not to drink and drive. Additionally we urge people to rest during their road trips, as fatigue is one of the factors that causes road accidents.”
Transport MEC Nqatha has urged motorists to prioritize road safety as the year comes to a close, “People must be safe on roads as we are heading to the end of the year losing a life on road brings trauma to families,” said MEC Nqatha.
Nqatha added, “Yesterday six people were arrested for drunk driving and one foreign national has been arrested today for driving a car that is not registered in South Africa and a fraudulent disk.”
Chief Executive Officer for South African traditional horse racing Berlin November-SA Luxolo Afrika Ndlazi, has emphasized the importance of responsible celebrations during the upcoming festivities.
“Berlin November is one of the biggest events that kick off the December festivities, as such we are working closely with the provincial department of health Transport to ensure that our guests and patrons understand the dangers of drinking and driving. As well as the risks of fatigue, which is a major contributor to road fatalities,” said Ndlazi.
A passenger who was traveling from East London to Bhisho has expressed satisfaction with the recent road safety checks and campaign conducted by authorities. Inam Nkosi Mashaya, who was on board in a taxi during the operation said, “We are happy with their routine checks and campaign and we hope that they will do it more often. This will help reduce the number of accidents on our roads.”
The Eastern Cape has seen a significant decline in road fatalities, with a 21.5% decrease during the 2023 festive season compared to the previous year. The province aims to further improve these statistics during the upcoming festive season.
photograph: EC Daily News
