According to a media statement by the DoT, October will be used to further advance the country’s road-safety initiatives, while also creating awareness of the economic benefits of the sector. Among these benefits are key activities like the official opening of road infrastructure projects such as the R71 Moria Project (interchange safety improvement), Umgeni Interchange and the Deneysville Sasolburg Road in the Free State.

The Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, opened the Madidi Bridge on road D637 between Phasha and Madidi villages in the Madibeng Local Municipality in North West recently. According to a statement, Mbalula said that the bridge was built as a result of the DoT’s Labour Intensive Rural Roads Programme. “The Department is using the programme to improve the economic and social conditions of rural communities through the construction and maintenance of rural road infrastructure,” Mbalula said at the opening ceremony.

The minister in the Presidency responsible for planning, Jeff Radebe, added that October Transport Month (OTM) is an opportunity to increase road-safety awareness. “In addition, traffic officers will rotate work shifts for a 24-hour day to help decrease the number of road accidents,” he said in a statement to the media.

“However, we cannot do it alone, and we invite participation from civic society and businesses alike in providing a safer, more affordable, accessible and reliable transport industry,” Radebe said.

According to the statement, investments in rail, roads and public transport are changing the way people access their places of work, study and entertainment. These investments will also help to grow the economy and address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.