As South Africa continues to grapple with high road fatality rates, AWARE.org brought together key industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders for the AWARE Road Safety Roundtable—a pivotal discussion aimed at driving meaningful interventions to promote responsible road use and reduce alcohol-related accidents.
The roundtable, held at GIBS in Johannesburg on 28 March, served as a platform for thought leaders from the industry, automotive sector, road safety organisations, and government agencies to reflect on the statistics and existing programmes and engage on sustainable solutions to minimise risks and save lives.
Industry leaders and safety advocates shared insights on best practices, technological advancements, and policy interventions that can contribute to road safety.
Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org, underscored the urgency of these discussions: “Road safety is a critical issue that affects every South African. At AWARE.org, we are committed to fostering collaborative efforts that prioritise education, enforcement, and responsible decision-making to reduce alcohol-related road incidents. Through this roundtable, we aim to strengthen partnerships and champion innovative approaches that make our roads safer for all.”
In just one year, AWARE.org’s Road Safety Programme has demonstrated significant growth, expanding its reach and impact through strategic and measurable collaborations with Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). Key milestones achieved during 2024 include:
- 10 618 roadblocks conducted
- 9 894 arrests for drunk driving
- 275 offenders enrolled in NICRO rehabilitation programme with 95% of them not reoffending
- Memorandums of understanding are in place with JMPD and RTMC, with Tshwane and eThekwini Metros making good progress
Donald Baloyi, District Manager for Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS), spoke about the experience of paramedics as first responders at accident scenes and the harsh realities of seeing the many fatalities. Baloyi said that in studying the patterns of serious accidents due to drinking and driving, many happen around midnight on the highways and in townships near to taverns and involve both vehicles and pedestrians. He reflected on the heart-breaking moments when families and loved ones have to identify the bodies of victims, noting that to turn the tide requires both corrective and punitive programmes. “In a bid to save lives, we support AWARE.org programmes in reaching out to communities and sending a strong message to educate the public about responsible alcohol consumption.”
In partnership with JMPD, AWARE.org supports the implementation of the Evidential Breath Alcohol Test (EBAT) to target intoxicated drivers. This initiative ensures that breathalyser evidence collected at roadblocks is admissible in court, increasing the likelihood of convictions and referrals for rehabilitation.
AWARE.org remains committed to engaging policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public to foster lasting behavioural change and reduce driving under the influence (DUI).
Panellists from the automotive sector – Automobile Association, VW and Master Drive – endorse and advocate for the 0% alcohol approach to road use. These stakeholders spoke about their different interventions that promote safe driving practices and driver mindfulness. This includes facilitation of advanced driver training and engaging B2B to mobilise businesses to adopt road safety as a cause to benefit their staff and to effect behaviour change through the corporate networks.
“It begins with us,” stated Mmolokiemang Legodu from RTMC. “We should all be committed that if we see someone in an intoxicated state, we act. This is a societal problem so we must all get involved. South African road users feel they have impunity when it comes to risking lives by drinking and driving and drinking and walking. Ongoing efforts to ensure public awareness and education should be coupled with strict law enforcement to create lasting change and reach the goal of halving the number of fatalities on the roads by 2030.”
The progress made by JMPD to strengthen law enforcement as a means to prevent incidents and reach the public was acknowledged by Mapiti Motsushi from Limpopo Road Safety Department, with her urging government and road agencies to share tools and best practices and unify law enforcement across provincial boundaries.
The conversation also reinforced the benefits of rehabilitation programmes that enable offending drivers to serve their sentence in the community and through personal reflection and practical learnings, address their irresponsible practices. The approach can help alleviate the court backlogs by diverting a greater number of qualifying offenders out of the justice system.
As the conversation continues beyond this event, AWARE.org calls on all South Africans to play their part in promoting safer roads, making responsible choices, and supporting initiatives that create a culture of accountability and care on our streets.
The Road Safety Roundtable showcased the power of collective action—from policy shifts and technological tools to on-the-ground enforcement and public education. But creating meaningful change on South Africa’s roads will take more than a single event. AWARE.org urges all citizens to be part of the solution: support safer practices, act against irresponsible behaviour, and help build a culture where every life counts.
