South Africa has launched Transport Month, a campaign aimed at building a safe, sustainable, reliable, and affordable transport system. The initiative comes as the country continues to grapple with high road fatality rates. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation's latest State of Road Safety report, 11,485 people died in road accidents in 2025, a decline from 12,172 deaths recorded in 2024. While this represents progress, the numbers remain alarmingly high, with an average of more than 31 deaths per day.
The impact of road fatalities on families and communities cannot be overstated. Behind the statistics are breadwinners who will not return home, children who will grow up without parents, and communities that continue to pay the price for a transport system that remains dangerously unreliable for many. The Road Traffic Management Corporation's report also notes a decline in fatal incidents, from 10,339 in 2024 to 9,734 in 2025. However, this is hardly cause for celebration, as the numbers are still unacceptably high.
The problem of road safety in South Africa is complex and multifaceted. While many campaigns have raised awareness about road safety, the issue is not simply a lack of awareness. Enforcement, infrastructure, accountability, and the everyday functioning of the transport system are all critical factors. Government must enforce the law consistently, remove unroadworthy vehicles from the roads, improve pedestrian infrastructure, and ensure that those responsible for dangerous driving face harsh consequences.
Public transport is also a critical component of the transport system, with millions of South Africans relying on taxis, buses, and trains to access work, education, and healthcare. The rebuilding of public transport is therefore particularly important. Motorists and passengers also have a responsibility to prioritize road safety, with drivers obliged to obey speed limits, avoid driving under the influence, maintain their vehicles, and respect other road users.
The success of South Africa's transport policy will ultimately be measured by its impact on road safety. The public should expect government to set measurable targets, report honestly on progress, and explain when those targets are missed. Transport Month should be about accountability, rather than celebration. By working together, it is possible to reduce road fatalities and create a safer, more reliable transport system.
The launch of Transport Month is an opportunity for government to demonstrate its commitment to road safety. By prioritizing enforcement, infrastructure, and accountability, government can help to reduce road fatalities and create a safer transport system. The public also has a critical role to play, by holding government accountable and prioritizing road safety in their daily lives.
As South Africa continues to grapple with high road fatality rates, the importance of Transport Month cannot be overstated. By working together, it is possible to create a safer, more reliable transport system that benefits all South Africans. The success of this initiative will depend on government's ability to set measurable targets, report honestly on progress, and prioritize road safety.
Key points
- South Africa's road fatality rate remains alarmingly high, with an average of more than 31 deaths per day.
- The rebuilding of public transport is critical to addressing road safety concerns.
- Government must prioritize enforcement, infrastructure, and accountability to reduce road fatalities.
