By Thapelo Molefe
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced on Monday that 1,502 people lost their lives in 1,234 fatal crashes on South Africa’s roads during the 2024/25 festive season, marking a 5.3% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year.
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria, Creecy described the statistics as “deeply disturbing” and called for urgent measures to address the root causes of these tragedies.
“These numbers are not just statistics; they represent shattered families and devastating human stories,” Creecy said.
She revealed that 87% of crashes were attributed to human error, with reckless driving, speeding, jaywalking, and drunk driving identified as the leading contributors.
Creecy said there was a desperate need for stricter law enforcement and public education campaigns to change behaviors and reduce preventable deaths on the roads.
“I want to say this very clearly: We, South Africans, must change our behavior on the roads,” she told
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