The South African government has set an ambitious target to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa outlined the government's road safety and public transport priorities at the launch of Transport Month. This move follows a 6.2% decline in road fatalities in 2025 compared to the previous year, the lowest level recorded in five years.
According to Deputy Minister Hlengwa, the department is targeting a 45% reduction in road fatalities by 2029 and 50% by 2030 as part of its six priority targets for the next four years. Preliminary figures for January 1 to August 23 this year show a further 9% reduction compared to the same period in 2025. The government attributes this progress to its efforts to improve road safety.
The government has recently approved the Revised National Road Safety Strategy 2026–2030, which adopts a “safe system” approach based on the principle that people make mistakes but those mistakes should not result in death or serious injury. This strategy focuses on safer roads and infrastructure, safer vehicles, safer speeds, effective enforcement, and improved post-crash response.
To achieve its road safety goals, the department plans to strengthen the identification and treatment of hazardous locations, improve pedestrian infrastructure, tighten roadworthiness enforcement, and strengthen safety standards for learner and public transport services. Legislative amendments are being pursued to introduce a zero alcohol limit for drivers.
A national crash data observatory, supported by artificial intelligence and data analytics, is being developed to identify crash hotspots and inform evidence-based interventions. The government is also pushing ahead with the rollout of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system, which aims to improve compliance, strengthen accountability, and change road user behavior.
While road safety is a major focus, Minister Creecy also outlined measures aimed at easing pressure on households and improving public transport affordability. The government is working to reform the public transport grant system into a unified support model for selected routes serving both bus and minibus taxi operators.
The government is also bringing private investment into the rail sector, with 11 train operating companies approved to use the state-owned national rail network, and operations expected to begin in April 2027. The recovery of 35 of 40 priority passenger rail lines over the past two years is expected to improve public transport services.
Key points
- The South African government aims to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030.
- A new road safety strategy focuses on safer roads, vehicles, speeds, and enforcement.
- The government is investing in public transport, including rail and bus services.
