Abuti Rams Foundation acknowledges and commends the collective efforts of the South African government, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations that contributed to improved road safety outcomes during the 2025/26 festive season and across the 2025 calendar year.
Preliminary national data released by the Minister of Transport points to a meaningful reduction in both road crashes and fatalities during the recent festive period. A five percent decrease in crashes and fatalities compared to the previous festive season reflects progress that must be recognised, protected, and strengthened. The fact that this festive season recorded the lowest number of crashes in five years is a clear indication that coordinated enforcement, education, and public awareness interventions can save lives.
The Foundation further notes the encouraging annual trend, where total crashes and fatalities recorded in 2025 were the lowest in five years. This downward trajectory demonstrates that sustained, multi-year efforts are beginning to yield results, despite the persistent challenges that continue to face road safety in South Africa.
We particularly acknowledge the dedication and long hours put in by traffic officers at national, provincial, and municipal levels, working alongside the South African Police Service and emergency services. The scale of enforcement activities, including thousands of roadblocks, millions of vehicle checks, and extensive alcohol testing, reflects a strong commitment to protecting road users during one of the most high-risk periods of the year.
In support of these efforts, Abuti Rams Foundation, through the Tsogo Road Safety Initiative, partnered with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to roll out a targeted digital road safety awareness campaign during the festive season. The campaign focused on responsible driving behaviour, pedestrian safety, and the dangers of speeding and drunk driving, using digital platforms and social media to reach road users before and during peak festive activities. This initiative formed part of a broader ecosystem of public education and behaviour change interventions aimed at reinforcing law enforcement efforts on the ground.
Abuti Rams Foundation also recognises the critical role played by provincial leadership, municipalities, traditional authorities, and organised transport sectors, including bus, taxi, and trucking associations. Civil society organisations across the country made a vital contribution through community education, advocacy, and on-the-ground awareness initiatives that helped influence driver, pedestrian, and passenger behaviour.
While progress has been made, the data also highlights ongoing concerns that require urgent and sustained attention. The concentration of crashes during weekends, late evenings, and after travellers have reached their destinations reinforces the need for continuous enforcement beyond peak travel times. The continued loss of pedestrians, particularly in major metros and districts, remains a national tragedy that demands targeted interventions in both urban and rural areas.
Abuti Rams Foundation strongly supports the Minister’s call for decisive action to address reckless driving, speeding, and drunk driving. We welcome the intention to amend the National Road Traffic Act to introduce a clear and unambiguous prohibition on drinking and driving. Such legislative reform is long overdue and aligns with the Foundation’s long-standing advocacy for safer roads and stronger accountability.
Road deaths are not inevitable. They are preventable, and every life lost represents a family left in grief and a community forever changed. As a country, we have a moral responsibility to act with urgency, consistency, and resolve.
As we move into the new year, Abuti Rams Foundation reaffirms its commitment to working alongside government, civil society, and the private sector to advance road safety education, behaviour change, and community-based initiatives. Together, we can build on the progress made, accelerate the reduction of crashes and fatalities, and move closer to the shared goal of safer roads for all by 2030.
