Admin
13 Oct, 2025
Heartbreak on South Africa’s roads: safety of passengers should never be overlooked
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is deeply saddened by the devastating loss of lives following the shocking bus accident that occurred on the N1 North, near Ingwe Lodge in Limpopo, yesterday, and the taxi accident that left 18 children injured on the N3 highway near the Mariannhill Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal this morning. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the grieving families, survivors, and everyone affected by these painful incidents. These tragedies are a tender reminder of how fragile life is. Moments of national sorrow such as these remind us of the ongoing challenges facing our transport systems. Every journey, whether short or long, depends on a transport network that must be both reliable and safe. Consequently, we must confront the conditions that allow some of these accidents to happen. South Africa’s transport infrastructure and enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened as a matter of urgency. It is imperative to have regular and consistent vehicle inspections to determine the roadworthiness of cars, buses, taxis, and scholar transport vehicles. Equally important is ensuring that drivers transporting passengers, particularly schoolchildren, hold valid Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) and comply fully with all safety requirements. Regular vehicle inspections and strict adherence to roadworthiness standards are critical in preventing such tragedies. The safety of passengers should never be overlooked. As a country, we must continue to strengthen our transport infrastructure and promote a culture of safety and accountability. These tragic incidents should compel authorities to prioritise transport safety and to reinforce monitoring systems. Such measures are essential to a broader national commitment to safeguarding lives on our roads.
Admin
13 Sep, 2025
Stop the loss: ensuring safe school transport in KwaZulu-Natal
Statement by Remington Mazibuko, Councillor in the Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality and UDM KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Chairperson The United Democratic Movement in KwaZulu-Natal is deeply saddened by the tragic news of the fatal taxi accident in Imbali Unit 18, which claimed the lives of five young learners and left several others injured. Our hearts go out to the families, classmates, teachers, and communities affected by this devastating incident. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight, regulation, and enforcement of learner transport services across our province. Children entrusted to the care of transport operators must be guaranteed safe passage to and from school. The repeated occurrence of learner transport accidents in KwaZulu-Natal, including this being the second incident in a week, signals a systemic failure in both road safety enforcement and transport management. The UDM in KwaZulu-Natal calls for immediate interventions, including: • Comprehensive inspections of all school transport vehicles to ensure roadworthiness and compliance with safety standards. • Accountability measures for transport operators who fail to meet legal and safety requirements. • Implementation of robust safety protocols and driver training programs for those responsible for transporting learners. • Enhanced coordination between the Department of Education, Department of Transport, law enforcement agencies, and local authorities to prevent future tragedies. The safety of our scholars is non-negotiable. The UDM in KwaZulu-Natal urges all relevant authorities to act decisively and to make the protection of learners a top priority, so that no parent, guardian, or community has to endure such heartbreak again. We express our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and classmates of the learners who tragically lost their lives in the Imbali Unit 18 accident. We share in the grief and anguish of the affected communities during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish a full and speedy recovery to all those who were injured, and we call on authorities to ensure that they receive the necessary medical care, counselling, and support.
Admin
07 Dec, 2017
Annual festive season road fatalities: arrive alive
As the festive season approaches, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) dreads the annual increase in road injuries and fatalities during this period; especially since we have already seen some dreadful accidents, particularly in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, and the festive season is not yet in full swing. The months of December and January see the busiest time on our highways and byways with everyone excited to travel, have fun and visit loved ones at home. We are hopeful that this excitement will not be cut unnecessarily short with injuries and loss of life. The UDM calls on all road users to be responsible, vigilant, disciplined and to abide by the law. Many accidents are avoidable. We cannot continue losing lives due to the misbehaviour and ill-discipline; especially because of unroadworthy vehicles, overloading, drunk driving and jaywalking. We also hope that the authorities will not be lenient on those who break the law and put lives at risk; especially long-distance drivers who overload their vehicles. Law enforcement official must make sure that they are always visible. We wish all South Africans a wonderful December-break and safe travels. Issued by Mr Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General
Admin
23 Mar, 2016
UDM appeals for good behaviour on the roads
As we are all going to the Easter holiday, we know that there are drivers who will put the lives of the innocent commuters at risk. Most accidents are caused by those driving under the influence of alcohol, driving tired, driving at high speed, vehicles that are not roadworthy and/or overloading. As the United Democratic Movement (UDM) we are calling on drivers to obey the rules on the roads, abide with the law and drive safe. It is worrisome to see growing numbers of fatalities in our roads especially during holidays. We cannot afford to lose lives every time because of silly behaviour of the drivers. One life lost is too many. The government must make sure that those who do not obey the rules face harsh sentencing for their deeds. Not only do they put their lives in danger but also of the passengers and other drivers on the roads. Also, looking at statistics of road accidents, the number of pedestrians hit by cars is high. We are also calling upon the pedestrians to obey rules and use bridges to cross the roads. As UDM, we are calling upon the law enforcement officials to be visible on the roads during this time and beyond as we feel that drivers do behave when they see them. The Department of Transport, Road Traffic Management Corporation, law enforcement officials must investigate the root cause of these fatalities and come up with ways to curb them. The taxi and bus associations and owners must also take action in curbing the norm of drivers especially long distance drivers who do not rest. It must not be about money more than the lives of the passengers. Statement issued by Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
