The Abuti Rams Foundation (ARF) is a pioneering non-profit organization committed to reducing road traffic fatalities and fostering a culture of safety across South Africa. Established in 2018, ARF has become a catalyst for change in road safety through its flagship initiative, the Tsogo Road Safety Programme. ARF aligns its efforts with global frameworks, such as the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2030, and local initiatives to mitigate the disproportionate impact of road traffic incidents on South African youth.
Historical Background
The Abuti Rams Foundation (ARF) was established in 2018 by Thabang Phala, Thato Motlhabani, and Thabile Ngwato, inspired by the vision of creating safer roads and empowering South African communities through innovative road safety solutions. The foundation is named after Abuti Rams, a persona adopted by Thabang Phala to champion social impact initiatives.
From its inception, ARF has focused on addressing the critical challenges of road safety, particularly among the youth, who are disproportionately affected by road fatalities. Recognizing the lack of awareness and education in this area, the founders launched the Tsogo Road Safety Programme, which has since become the organization’s flagship initiative. This four-month program, rooted in capacity-building and community engagement, has reached over 2,500 young participants across seven provinces, transforming lives and communities through education, mentorship, and innovation.
Guided by the vision of its founders, the Abuti Rams Foundation continues to expand its impact in road safety, fostering collaboration with stakeholders across the public and private sectors and driving meaningful change in South Africa’s road safety landscape.
Mission
To create safer roads and informed communities by equipping individuals, businesses, and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to promote road safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities.
Vision
To be a leader in road safety innovation and education in South Africa, driving transformative solutions that protect lives and empower communities.
Our Goals
- Reduce Road Fatalities: Achieve measurable reductions in road fatalities and injuries, particularly among young people and vulnerable groups, by 2030.
- Raise Awareness: Increase road safety awareness through targeted campaigns, workshops, and educational materials.
- Foster Innovation: Encourage and implement innovative solutions to address persistent road safety challenges.
- Empower Communities: Provide tools, mentorship, and training to empower individuals and organizations to take ownership of road safety in their areas.
- Collaborate for Change: Strengthen partnerships with stakeholders across government, private, and community sectors to drive collective impact.
- Influence Policy: Advocate for effective road safety policies, stricter regulations, and improved enforcement.
- Create Opportunities: Expose youth to career opportunities in the transport and logistics sectors while equipping SMMEs and CBOs with the skills to thrive.
Our Values
- Safety First: Prioritizing the well-being and safety of all road users in every initiative and decision.
- Innovation: Embracing creativity and technology to find sustainable solutions to road safety challenges.
- Empowerment: Equipping individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and resources to drive change in their communities.
- Collaboration: Building meaningful partnerships to amplify impact and achieve shared goals.
- Integrity: Upholding transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in all operations.
- Inclusivity: Addressing the needs of diverse communities and ensuring accessibility for all, including vulnerable groups.
- Sustainability: Creating long-lasting programs that deliver consistent and measurable results.
