Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Hlengwa Lead Road Safety Awareness Campaign in Potchefstroom Ahead of Youth Day Long Weekend
- Karen Scheepers
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
Potchefstroom, 13 June 2025. In advance of the Youth Day long weekend, the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, spearheaded a high-profile road safety awareness campaign along the N12 corridor in Potchefstroom this morning. The initiative, held at 10:00 on 13 June 2025, formed part of the Department of Transport’s ongoing commitment to reducing road fatalities and encouraging responsible behavior, especially among young road users, during peak travel periods.
A Timely Intervention Before Youth Day Travels
Youth Day, commemorated on 16 June, traditionally sees increased travel across South Africa as young people return home to honour the 1976 Soweto uprisings. Recognizing heightened risk on our roads during such extended weekends, the Department of Transport organized an engagement on the N12 to coincide with Youth Day ‘25 activities. Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Hlengwa joined traffic officers, road safety officials, and partner agencies for an on-site briefing and public engagement.
Collaboration Across Agencies
At the event on the N12, which includes visible traffic checks and demonstration stops, officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation, South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), Road Accident Fund, Cross-Border Road Transport Agency, Road Traffic Infringement Agency, and Arrive Alive will join forces. Representatives will distribute informational materials, conduct vehicle inspections, and engage directly with motorists and youth groups gathered at the site.
A row of traffic cones and patrol vehicles will underscore the hands-on nature of the campaign: teams will perform basic vehicle safety checks, tyre conditions, lights, brakes, and offer guidance on safe loading practices for those traveling with goods. Educational pamphlets will highlight key messages: “Don’t Drink and Drive,” “Wear Your Seatbelt,” “Observe Speed Limits,” and “Plan Your Trip: Rest and Avoid Fatigue.” Youth ambassadors from local schools and community organizations will be participating by sharing personal testimonies about the consequences of reckless driving.
Youth Engagement at the Forefront
In keeping with the “Youth Day ’25” theme, a small stage area will be set up near the traffic stop, where invited youth spokespeople addressed passing motorists and assembled spectators. They will recount the impact of road crashes on families and communities, urging peers to be advocates for safe driving among their circles. A short video featuring local young drivers recounting lessons learned from near-misses will also be played on mobile screens, capturing attention and sparking conversation.
Data-Driven Focus on High-Risk Behaviors
The Department of Transport highlighted recent statistics showing that long weekends historically register spikes in road fatalities, with the 18–25 age group disproportionately affected. Drink-driving, speeding, and driver fatigue were cited as leading contributing factors. Minister Creecy noted that the campaign is one element in a broader strategy combining enforcement blitzes, targeted education, and collaboration with provincial and local authorities to reduce casualties year-round.
Looking Beyond the Weekend
While the immediate focus is on the Youth Day long weekend, both Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Hlengwa emphasized that road safety is an ongoing priority. They called for sustained community partnerships, enhanced driver training programs, and improved roadside assistance services. Plans were announced to engage with universities and youth organizations throughout the year to embed road safety advocacy in extracurricular and orientation programs.
Public Response and Next Steps
Motorists who stop at the event would be able to commend the visible presence of authorities and the constructive tone of the engagements. Many will accept educational materials and pledged to share the messages on social media and among friends. Traffic officials will be focusing on raising awareness rather than penalizing minor infringements.
The Department of Transport has scheduled follow-up discussions with local municipalities and traffic departments across provinces to replicate similar road safety days ahead of other long weekends, such as Heritage Day and Christmas. A digital toolkit, including posters, social media assets, and short videos, will be made available for community groups and schools to run their own mini-campaigns.
Wrapping Up
As South Africans prepare to observe Youth Day, the road safety awareness campaign led by Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa in Potchefstroom sends a clear message: safe travel choices save lives. By combining enforcement, education, and youth-led advocacy, the Department of Transport aims not only to reduce accidents over the upcoming long weekend but also to foster a lasting culture of responsible driving among the nation’s youth.
Motorists are reminded to plan journeys in advance, ensure vehicles are properly maintained, avoid alcohol or substance use when driving, observe speed limits, and take regular breaks to prevent fatigue. Every stakeholder, government, communities, families, and young people themselves, plays a part in making South Africa’s roads safer for all.
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