Picture: Law enforcement agencies during the launch of Easter Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign in Hopetown/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
1April 2026 – The acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi together with the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, joined the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi at the launch of the 2026 Easter Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign in Hopetown, in Pixley Ka Seme District on 31 March 2026.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said a multi-disciplinary parade was conducted and addressed by Koloi. Shemane said the representatives from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Traffic Officials, SAPS, Thembelihle Local Municipality and various Taxi Associations, Entities and Stakeholders, attended the official programme at the Steynville Primary School in Hopetown prior to the roadblock.
“The purpose of the event was outlined by Rodney Pieterse, the Head of Department for Transport, Safety and Liaison. Pieterse emphasised the theme of the launch: “Road Safety Begins With Me”.
Mphuthi informed participants and stakeholders that SAPS is aware that the easter period is usually coupled with road accidents and carnage. She further said law enforcement agencies will be out in full force during these peak times when there is an increase in the volume of traffic on the roads, prioritising road safety.
“The SAPS will intensify and strengthen police visibility that is already existing. This is ongoing efforts during the Easter holidays and beyond.
“SAPS urge all road users to plan their journeys responsibly, avoid drinking and driving, obey traffic laws, and prioritize safety,” said Mphuthi.
She said in line with the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, SAPS will maintain a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness on the roads. Mphuthi added that SAPS encourages all road users to take personal responsibility for their safety, buckle up and avoid dangerous overtaking.
“If we reflect on the theme for the 2026 Easter Season Road Safety Campaign: “Road Safety Begins With Me”, it places emphasis on personal accountability for road safety, aiming to reduce fatalities by encouraging every driver, passenger and pedestrian to take responsibility for themselves.
“The Safer Easter Holidays operation, known as Operation Paseka is running parallel to Operation Shanela 2 and it commenced on 15 March 2026 until 15 April 2026, focusing on the safety and security of all citizens including those utilizing our roads,” she said.
The Guardian 