COSATU supports Creecy’s push to tighten drunk-driving laws

Car keys next to a glass with alcohol

Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) says fatal crashes deprive families of breadwinners and further strain the public health system.

The labour federation has welcomed Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s call for the amendment of legislation on government’s drunken driving policy.

{LISTEN] Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says it is totally unacceptable that there is a law that allows people to drink and then drive. A total of 1 427 fatalities were recorded from 1 172 crashes this year #sabcnews #UpdateAtNoon pic.twitter.com/rRHNOnsOBo

— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) January 15, 2026

The amendment of the National Traffic Act relates to the scrapping of the legal alcohol consumption limit in the country. Over 40% of the 14 000 deaths on South Africa’s roads annually, are linked to alcohol consumption.

COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator Matthew Parks says the federation fully supports the Minister’s call and urged Parliament to act without delay.

“This is needed to reduce unacceptable high levels of drinking and driving on the roads. The proposed changes were supported by overwhelming scientific evidence showing that alcohol severely impairs the ability of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to use roads safely.”

#COSATU supports the calls for a
total ban on drinking and driving in South Africa 🇿🇦
The country has for far too long tolerated a blatant disregard to the rule of law and what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in a modern democracy. @Dotransport @MorningLiveSABC pic.twitter.com/Pss8wk5qDI

— @COSATU Today (@_cosatu) January 17, 2026