By Siphiwe Nyathi
Polokwane - The danger of stray animals will take centre stage during Transport Month in Limpopo.
Provincial Roads and Transport MEC Lehlogonolo Masoga has committed to hold meetings with livestock owners, traditional leaders and community members to address the issue.
“Stray animals causing accidents remain a concern on our roads. We will be meeting with communities during our outreach campaigns, where we will address the issue of stray animals extensively,” said Masoga, during the provincial launch of Transport Month in Polokwane on Thursday.
Masoga said stray animals were not only causing damage to vehicles, but also involved loss of life.
He said his department is in full support of all road safety initiatives, whether by government institutions or civic organisations and individuals.
Masoga added that the province was still recovering from the deaths of Supersport assistant coach Thomas Madigage and Pirates striker Lesley Manyathela.
“The memory of losing one of the country’s most promising up and coming coach, Limpopo’s Shining Star Thomas 'Chincha Guluva' Madigage still lingers fresh in our memories as if it happened yesterday. It has opened the healing wounds of the loss of another shining star on our roads in the recent past, Lesley Manyathela,” said Masoga.
He said the department will make sure that all relevant stakeholders, individual road users and entities are enlightened through robust road safety awareness campaigns, road-shows, intensified law enforcement operations as well as empowering school-going children through road safety education.
He said the department will make sure that there is high visibility of traffic officers throughout the province to strengthen law enforcement and to further ensure free and smooth flow of traffic until the festive season and beyond.
“During this period, motor vehicles operating and entering our province will be subjected to heightened inspections on the road to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles are allowed to operate while the un-roadworthy ones face possible impoundments and/or hefty fines.
"No un-roadworthy vehicle will be allowed to continue with the journey as the safety of our people cannot be compromised,” added Masoga. – SAnews.gov.za
