Mpumalanga recorded 75 fatalities from various road crashes between 1 April and 31 May 2026. Of the 75 deceased, 61 were male and 14 were female.
Of the 61 male victims, 24 were drivers, 17 were passengers, and 20 were pedestrians.
These statistics paint a concerning picture regarding male drivers. Most of the crashes result from human behaviour and are avoidable.
It is in this context that the Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Jackie Macie, is calling on all road users to exercise caution this coming weekend as schools close on Friday.
He also urges men to follow the example of their female counterparts and obey the rules of the road. He says men, as leaders of families, must set a good example and be advocates for safer driving.
"Men should help save lives on the road by obeying the rules, sticking to the applicable speed limits and not drinking and driving," he said.
On the other hand, the annual Innibos Festival will take place from Thursday, 2 July 2026. Based on previous years, the event is expected to draw patrons from across the country. This is also expected to have a significant impact on traffic volumes.
Traffic law enforcement and members of the security cluster will be on high alert. All routes will be closely monitored and traffic management activations will be implemented.
ENDS...
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.