The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) will intensify pedestrian safety operations during the two upcoming long weekends: Monday, 27 April 2026 (Freedom Day) and Friday, 01 May 2026 (Workers’ Day).
The long weekends coincide with month-end, when many people receive salaries. This typically changes travel patterns and increases movement to social gatherings and shopping centres. With extended holidays, alcohol consumption also rises — a factor linked to the increase in drinking and driving incidents.
It is not only drivers and passengers who lose their lives in road crashes. A significant number of pedestrians are struck and killed by motorists each year.
Last Festive Season alone, 55 pedestrians were killed on Mpumalanga roads. Problem routes include the N4 at Kaapmuiden, Mbombela, Emalahleni, Vosman, Middelburg, Belfast and Malelane, the N12 at Emalahleni and Sundra, plus the R544 Emalahleni, R40 in Bushbuckridge, R573 Moloto Road D481 Elukwatini, N2 in eMkhondo, and N11 in Volksrust.
In April 2025, we lost more pedestrians, with 7 deaths over Easter weekend alone.
As part of its response, the department is rolling out pedestrian safety awareness campaigns across all districts. Law enforcement visibility will also be increased, with a specific focus on high-risk pedestrian zones and areas near taverns, taxi ranks, and informal settlements.
DCSSL is appealing to all road users:
Motorists: Be on the lookout for pedestrians at all times, especially in built-up areas, near public transport hubs, and on rural roads with no pavements. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
Pedestrians: Do not walk on the road when intoxicated. Wear bright or reflective clothing at night. Cross only at designated pedestrian crossings or intersections, and only when it is safe to do so. Avoid walking on freeways.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie, has called for heightened vigilance and strict compliance with road rules during the long weekends and beyond.
“We want people to enjoy their time off and spend quality time with their families. What often mars these holidays are deadly road crashes which are mostly avoidable. Let us all obey the rules and be extremely cautious,” said MEC Macie.
The MEC confirmed that law enforcement officers and emergency services will be on high alert. “Those found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly,” he added.
ENDS...
Issued by: Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.