Tana Malinga
- Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Deputy Minister of Transport
South Africa’s road safety battle is demanding more than awareness campaigns and promises. It requires decisive enforcement, accountable partnerships and motorists prepared to make life-saving choices before turning a car key.
That was the defining message of the South African Breweries (SAB) SHARP responsible partnerships engagement at Divine Lounge, Midrand, on Thursday, where Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, SAB Vice President of Corporate Affairs Zoleka Lisa and JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla featured in discussions on strengthening road safety and reducing alcohol-related harm.
The urgency is undeniable. Between 1 January and 27 September 2026, South Africa recorded 7,462 road fatalities, 677 fewer than during the corresponding period in 2025, representing an 8% decline. Yet the reduction fell short of the government’s 10% target. Pedestrians accounted for approximately 42% of fatalities, with 3,091 pedestrian deaths reported.
- SAB Vice President of Corporate Affairs Zoleka Lisa
Meanwhile, 19,829 motorists were arrested for drunken driving between March and September 2026. These figures expose the human cost of impaired driving and the need to sustain enforcement beyond awareness campaigns.
Through its Cheers to Responsibility Week, SAB brought together government, law enforcement, business and civil society under SAB SHARP: Educate, Enforce and Innovate.
Lisa emphasised that meaningful progress requires partnerships that turn commitments into tangible action and measurable outcomes. Her message challenges stakeholders to demonstrate impact through safer roads, stronger enforcement and fewer preventable tragedies.
SAB’s Responsible Driving Programme has supported 34 alcohol evidence centres nationwide, invested more than R52 million in evidence centres and roadblocks, and contributed to enforcement initiatives associated with more than 60,000 drink-driving arrests since 2022.
- JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla
Fihla also addressed road safety and responsible driving at the engagement. While his exact remarks require confirmation from the event recording, JMPD’s participation underscores the importance of enforcement, public awareness and cooperation in confronting dangerous driving.
Hlengwa called for government, business, academia, law enforcement and communities to unite behind evidence-based solutions. He also highlighted a proposed amendment to Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act to introduce a zero-alcohol limit for all drivers, a proposal, not yet a law in force.
With government targeting a 45% reduction in road fatalities by 2029 and 50% by 2030, the time for complacency has passed.
THE FINAL WARNING: No partnership can protect lives if motorists deliberately undermine road safety. Never drink and drive, speed recklessly or disregard lawful instructions. Those who disobey traffic laws must face the consequences through lawful enforcement.
Every journey carries responsibility and no excuse is worth a life.
SOUTH AFRICA, BE SHARP. OBEY THE LAW. RESPECT LAW ENFORCEMENT. GET HOME ALIVE.
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