Eastern Cape Transport MEC, Weziwe Tikana-Gxotiwe, has challenged the people of the province to build on the largest decline nationally in road fatalities over the festive season, as announced by national Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula.
Tikana-Gxotiwe said the Eastern Cape recorded a reduction of 7.9% in fatalities, recording a total of 210 fatalities compared to the same period last year, when it had 228 fatalities.
“The just under 8% decline by the Eastern Cape is further highlighted by the 14% increase nationally, with at least seven out of the nine provinces all recording increases,” she said.
She has cautiously welcomed the positives, attributing the decline in fatalities in the province to the strengthening relations between law enforcement officers, road users and communities in general.
“We welcome these statistics, mindful of the fact that inasmuch as we have improved as the province, many people still lost their lives and many more sustained life-altering injuries.
“My challenge is for each one of us to build on these positives and do even better going forward.
“We cannot bask in the glory; we cannot relax. We have to continue working hard, knowing that road safety is an everyday event and is everyone’s responsibility.”
