In a strong show of unity and commitment to saving lives, on Thursday 12 June stakeholders from the Grabouw community gathered to shine a spotlight on road safety along the N2 highway, an infamous stretch where pedestrians, particularly youth, are at high risk of being struck by speeding vehicles.
The initiative, held as part of Youth Month activities, brought local police, provincial traffic officers, local councillors, representatives of the provincial Department of Health and Wellness, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) road-safety ambassadors, representatives of the Grabouw Community Policing Forum (CPF) and various community organisations together.
It focused on raising awareness about the dangers of crossing the N2 on foot, particularly during early morning and evening hours when visibility is low.
Many youths from the area cross the busy highway to get to school or work daily, often risking their lives.
David Williams, Grabouw CPF chairperson, said: “Our youth are not just the future, they are the now. We cannot continue to lose them to preventable tragedies.
“This campaign is about empowering them with knowledge and encouraging the entire community to make road safety a shared priority.”
Community members were encouraged to wear bright or reflective clothing and to use safer crossing points whenever possible. Visibility, especially during winter mornings, was emphasised as a key factor in preventing accidents.
EPWP ambassadors and other volunteers handed out reflective armbands and educated passersby on the importance of being seen.
Traffic officers also engaged motorists, reminding them to reduce speed, avoid driving on the shoulder and remain alert, particularly in residential and school zones.
The event formed part of an ongoing road-safety campaign spearheaded by the provincial government’s Road Safety Management team and its partners, aiming to reduce pedestrian fatalities and encourage behavioural change through education and community involvement.
