The provincial mobility department has introduced road safety ambassadors to Strand to make roads safer for pedestrians.
On Monday 22 June, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town’s Subcouncil 8, the department officially launched the Road Safety Ambassador Project in wards 85 and 86 at the municipal offices in Lwandle. Nine ambassadors signed their contracts and dedicated themselves to road safety in the area.
The deployment comes after the department revealed that between 1 and 22 July last year, 72 road fatalities were recorded across the province, with pedestrians accounting for the most deaths.
The ambassadors have been deployed in hotspot areas to support and assist with the implementation of targeted road safety interventions, with a strong focus on pedestrian safety. Their responsibilities include providing roadside support to learners travelling to and from school, conducting face-to-face road safety awareness sessions in schools and communities, and actively engaging with pedestrians to encourage safe road-crossing practices. The initiative aims to reduce injuries and fatalities on provincial roads, particularly near schools in informal settlements.
Acting subcouncil manager Nonzuzo Jacob explained that the programme is grounded in the belief that informed road users play a key role in reducing fatalities, especially among vulnerable pedestrians. The project also seeks to address unemployment by creating job opportunities within local communities, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation, restoring dignity and supporting broader economic growth.
The launch event was attended by Chantal Cerfontein, Subcouncil 8 chairperson, ward councillors and representatives from local community policing forums, taxi associations, the South African National Civic Organisation, scholar transport providers and Lwandle police.
