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Traffic officers conducting a road safety operation.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, says more than 850 National Traffic Police officers have been deployed to the 20 priority routes for the long Easter weekend.
The Department of Transport says it expects high traffic volumes from Thursday, as holidaymakers and churchgoers will take to the major routes, heading to various destinations across South Africa.
Hlengwa has advised motorists to take enough rest before travelling, maintain safe following distances on congested roads and to avoid road rage at all costs.
WATCH | Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa says that over 850 traffic officers will be deployed on country roads to improve road safety during the Easter period. pic.twitter.com/vOlQiQ8z53
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 29, 2026
“This Easter period, we will be deploying over 850 national traffic police to provide support and capacity across various government spheres. We have identified the top 20 priority routes where high travel is expected, as well as secondary routes, and resources will be deployed there as well. Additionally, the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency will conduct inspections, particularly of foreign buses travelling to and from South Africa, which also supports the work of the Border Management Authority (BMA),” says Hlengwa.
He says when all these measures come together, they will work with the South African Council of Churches (SACC) to engage their members and local structures, educating them on what to look for in a roadworthy vehicle and how to travel safely.
“We will also engage with the taxi and bus industries, creating an ecosystem of users focused on ensuring people get to and from places of worship safely,” adds Hlengwa.
VIDEO | Efforts to curb road fatalities during Easter period: Mkhuleko Hlengwa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlE0SYk_yAQ
