Traffic officers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of South Africa’s roads during one of the busiest and most dangerous periods of the year,” says POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya. “Yet, even as they stand ready to protect lives, they are already working with both hands tied behind their back, as severe organisational challenges and poor working conditions continue to hamper their effectiveness.”

The union's concerns come as the Department of Transport implements its 46-day Festive Road Safety Campaign, running from the beginning of December to mid-January. The campaign aims to reduce the devastating toll of road accidents, which claimed 1,285 lives during the 2023 holiday period – an alarming average of 31 fatalities every day.

President of POPCRU Thulani Ngwenya joins us on the line.