Provincial roads claim more than 200 lives during festive season’24

Tragedy struck Eastern Cape roads during the festive season claiming the lives of 202 people on road accidents that occurred between 01 and 28 December 2024, according to Eastern Cape MEC for Transport Xolile Nqatha. This shocking toll marks a significant increase from the same period in 2023, when 97 fatalities were recorded.

Democratic Alliance(DA) in the Eastern Cape shadow MEC for roads and transport Kabelo Mogatosi condemned the rise in fatalities stating, “The loss of even one life on our roads is too many.” Mogatosi highlighted that high-risk routes such as the N2 and R61 have again proven to be the deadliest, with the N2 recording over 42 fatalities and the R61 recording over 21.

The single deadliest accident occurred on the N9 near Graaff-Reinet claiming 14 lives, “People of the Eastern Cape deserve better we will continue to fight for improved law enforcement on our provincial roads,” Mogatosi said.

DA is calling for urgent action to be taken to address the rising number of fatalities on the province’s roads. Mogatosi emphasized the need for improved law enforcement, urging the provincial government to implement intensified, round-the-clock traffic law enforcement with a focus on high-risk routes. “If the provincial government is serious about ending the accidents on our roads it must implement intensified, round-the-clock traffic law enforcement with a specific focus on high-risk routes. Strict penalties must be enforced for road users who fail to adhere to the rules,” Mogatosi said.

Furthermore Mogatosi commended the diligent traffic officers across the province many of whom work 12-hour shifts, day and night. “Despite difficult working conditions and staffing shortages we commend the diligent traffic officers across the province”, Mogatosi said.

In addition the alarming rise in road fatalities in Eastern Cape roads during the festive season is a wake-up call for authorities and road users alike.

With 202 lives lost, it is clear that urgent action is needed to improve law enforcement, road safety measures and driver behavior.

Photograph: supplied