MIDDELBURG – The MEC for Community Safety, Security, and Liaison, Jackie Macie hosted a Municipal Infrastructure and Management Committee (MUNIMEC) meeting on November 21, 2024, at the Nkangala District Municipality Council Chambers.
The meeting brought together representatives from municipalities across the province to strengthen collaboration and enhance safety measures ahead of the festive season.
MEC Macie highlighted the urgency of a unified approach to road safety and crime prevention during this busy period. “This meeting serves to mobilize support and ensure law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders work together to reduce road crashes, fatalities, and crime,” he stated.
Focus on high-risk routes discussions centered on the department’s 2024 Festive Season Operational Plan, running from 1 December 2024 to 15 January 2025.
Key data revealed that eleven major routes in the province-such as the N4, R40, R573 and N11-are particularly prone to accidents.
Efforts will focus on these routes to curtail the province’s alarming 41% crash rate.
Municipalities will contribute resources within their jurisdictions to support this initiative.
A 24-hour central information and communication center will coordinate operations, monitor traffic incidents, and oversee the deployment of 748 traffic officers and 317 patrol vehicles.
The festive season strategy includes:
– Saturation patrols on high-risk routes during peak accident hours (6:00-14:00, 14:00-22:00, and 22:00-6:00).
– Visible policing, roadblocks, and roadside checks targeting speeders, impaired drivers, and unsafe vehicles.
– Road safety education at rest stops along the N4, N17, and N12 to address driver fatigue, pedestrian safety, and alcohol awareness.
The “Operation Malayisha” initiative will address vehicle overloading, a common issue during the holiday season with support from law enforcement and road safety education teams.
MEC Macie concluded by reiterating the department’s commitment to ensuring a safe festive season. “The festive season is here, and we are working tirelessly to enforce road regulations and safeguard our communities,” he said.
With these comprehensive measures, the department aims to reduce road accidents and ensure a secure holiday season for all Mpumalanga residents and travelers.
