By OBAKENG MAJE
1October 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Tuesday called for zero tolerance road traffic law enforcement and improved visibility in order to reduce the carnage on public roads. This follows a horrific crash involving two trucks and a minibus taxi that claimed 13 lives on the R81 road at Ga-Sekgopo near Mooketsi in Limpopo.
SAUCIC President, Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Modiri Shole said it is understood that all the deceased, including a child aged between seven and ten years-old as well as the driver of the minibus taxi were travelling from a church service at Solomondale to Magoro village, outside Giyani.
Shole said that religious tourism increases traffic on the public roads and must be supported by zero tolerance road traffic law operations to clamp down on lawlessness, as well as prevent road crashes and fatalities on public roads.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastating loss of lives that have left the country and faith communities numb with shock and urge churches to keep families that are mourning the untimely deaths of their loved ones in their prayers.
“We appeal for the Easter Road Safety Strategy that resulted in zero fatalities during the annual Zion Christian Church (ZCC) pilgrimage to be replicated to other areas during public holidays and long weekends. We declare that one life lost on public roads is a life too many,” he said.
Shole who is representing Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches affiliated to SAUCIC, further said there must be an offensive against reckless driving, speeding and drunken driving particularly towards the festive season, including a clampdown of unroadworthy public transport vehicles such as trucks and taxis. He added that motorists travelling long distances should rest after every two hours to avoid fatigue which he described as a killer.
“Truck drivers and taxi drivers must be cautious and vigilant. Observing safe following distances will ensure that motorists are able to avoid accidents in the event there is a need to apply brakes,” said Shole.
The Guardian 