Roadblocks and safety checks are a proactive approach to reducing traffic accidents during the Easter weekend.
Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers
KwaZulu-Natal has initiated a comprehensive road safety campaign for the Easter holidays, deploying over 3,483 “no-nonsense” law enforcement officers to reduce fatalities and ensure safe travel across the province.
This was revealed by KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma, who launched the Easter road safety campaign in KwaMashu on Tuesday.
Operating under the banner of the Nenzani La Ezweni Operation, the enforcement blitz is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week effort that will run until May 3, 2026.
Duma urged unity to build upon the figures achieved during the festive period.
“Let us come together and build on the impressive figures achieved during the festive season on our roads. In every given opportunity, we always reflect on the fact that for the first time in two decades, we attained an 18% decrease in fatalities here in KwaZulu-Natal,” Duma said.
“We have agreed as the department that for this Easter Holiday and Passover weekend, we must aim for a 10% decrease in fatalities and road crashes.”
Duma said that this can be achieved through their Easter Road Safety Plan under the auspices of Nenzani La Ezweni Operation.
“The operation will be executed with precision by a no-nonsense team of more than 3,483 law enforcement officers across the province. They will be operating 24 hours a day – seven days a week - until May 3.”
He said they will have 148 multidisciplinary roadblocks, more than 80 roadblocks will focus on drunk driving alone; execute more than 118 speed operations in high accident zones and other areas frequented by visitors and worshippers; and there are more than 17 interprovincial roadblocks that will be undertaken by a roving team of law enforcement officers.
“In addition, we understand that there are school educational tours during the Easter holidays. In this regard, we will execute more than 91 operations focusing on scholar transport,” Duma said.
He said unroadworthy vehicles, including taxis, will be removed. They will not only target drivers but also the owners.
“Critically, for the first time, through 28 pedestrian enforcement operations, we will clamp down against drunk pedestrians who will be walking on busy roads,” Duma said.
“We will also penalise pedestrians who fail to use pedestrian bridges on various routes.”
Duma thanked Transport Minister Barbara Creecy for deploying over 105 national traffic police. They have been deployed to Pietermaritzburg, Empangeni, Port Shepstone, and elsewhere.
Reflecting on Easter 2025, Duma said the province recorded a 38% decrease in fatalities, compared to 43% recorded in 2024.
Motorist Ziphozonke Dube commented that the campaign assists travellers in staying safe and ensures they reach their families securely.
He said he found himself on the wrong side of the law because he was without his driver’s licence.
“I was fined R200, but they then explained to me that I must report to the court because the licence was left in another car. Although I pleaded for mercy, I respected the law because people are working and doing their jobs. We don’t want them to end up doing something wrong because of Dube,” he said. “But R200 will be difficult since I am a pensioner.”
Dube advised other motorists that when they leave home, they should check the car, that the tyres are right, the indicator is working, the lights are working, and that they are wearing their seatbelts. He said motorists must respect each other on the road and not drive drunk.
Another motorist, Portia Mnguni, thanked the road traffic officials for protecting them on the road, so that, as it is Easter, cars will be travelling to church services and they are protected. They should fill the entire road, protecting them.
“Drivers should ensure they behave well and do not use things that will cause them trouble on the road. Indeed, alcohol is not welcome on the road at all. Let’s drive aware, travel well, and obey the rules of the road,” Mnguni said.