ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI CALLS FOR URGENT COLLECTIVE ACTION TO END ROAD CARNAGE
The rising death toll on South Africa’s roads is no longer just a statistic, it is a national emergency demanding urgent and collective action.
This stark reality took centre stage at a high-impact two-day Road Safety Conference hosted by eThekwini Municipality’s Municipal Institute of Learning (MILE), in partnership with the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) and CIFAL Durban.
The conference brought together key leaders and stakeholders to confront the country’s deepening road carnage crisis.
Road crashes are no longer isolated incidents; they represent a growing national emergency with devastating human, social, and economic consequences.
Globally, road crashes claim more than 1.19 million lives each year, while in South Africa, over 11,000 people lose their lives annually. This alarming reality continues to place immense strain on families, communities, and the economy.
In eThekwini alone, road traffic accidents carry an estimated economic impact of R10.65 billion, underscoring the scale and urgency of the crisis.
Executive Director Sipho Cele said that behind every statistic lies a human story—a life lost, a family devastated, and a future cut short. “Road safety is not just a transport issue; it is a public health, social justice, and economic crisis,” he said.
Cele emphasised that no single institution can address this challenge alone, calling for an urgent, collaborative approach. “This scourge demands bold leadership, stronger partnerships, and a collective shift in behaviour if we are to save lives,” he added.
The conference highlighted that road crashes are not random events, but predictable and preventable outcomes linked to infrastructure gaps, rapid urbanisation, weak enforcement, and unsafe road user behaviour.
A strong emphasis was also placed on integrated data systems, with experts cautioning that fragmented information continues to limit effective planning and targeted interventions.
Director-General from the National Department of Transport, Prasanth Mohan, reinforced the need for decisive leadership. “Road safety is not a transport problem but a leadership responsibility,” he said.
Mohan added: “If we are serious about saving lives, we must strengthen enforcement, invest in safer infrastructure, integrate data systems, and work collaboratively across all sectors to drive real and lasting change.”
The conference concluded with a united call to move beyond dialogue towards decisive action, as stakeholders committed to working together to strengthen road safety programmes across communities, schools, and all sectors of society.
EThekwini Municipality remains resolute in saving lives, protecting families, strengthening infrastructure, and driving a safer, more inclusive transport system.
Through partnerships, innovation, and shared accountability, the City will champion interventions that protect residents, improve lives, and strengthen the local economy for all citizens.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
