Partnerships with private sector is key to road safety

Partnerships with private sector is key to road safety

By BRIAN KAJENGO

Those were the words of Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe.  

MEC Vusi Shongwe says government needs to strengthen partnerships with the private sector in order to achieve its goals, including enhancement of road safety.

 Shongwe was speaking on Tuesday 15 April 2014 during a ceremony where Anglo American’s Zibulo Coal Mine donated two law enforcement vehicles to the department.

He said that these kinds of partnerships are also needed by the department to enhance law enforcement operations while improving traffic officers’ visibility on the road.

He further explained that the reduction of deaths and injuries resulting from road crashes is not only the responsibility of government  but corporate citizens like Anglo American and other businesses should play a role hence the gesture is greatly appreciated.

“The two vehicles, which were already branded, were donated to assist with patrols and point duty in Nkangala Region where traffic volumes are usually experienced during peak hours. Shongwe said that the vehicles will not only assist in that specific area, but will contribute in other law enforcement operations in the province.”

“This would go a long way towards enhancing law enforcement operations leading to improved road safety in the province,” said MEC Vusi Shongwe.

He thanked the management of the mine and promised them that the vehicles will be used optimally to assist with improving law enforcement.

Zibulo Coal Mine’s General Manager Bheki Khumalo said that it is clear that the department is determined to win the battle against road accidents; hence the company is also making a contribution to compliment the department’s efforts.

Khumalo explained that as a company they also have responsibility towards ensuring road safety because their company utilizes trucks to transport coal on the road. “We are committed as a private sector to assist government by contributing to service delivery initiatives that include maintaining conducive environments for our communities. We will continue to support initiatives which will benefit us and the community we serve,” said Khumalo.

Earlier on the day, MEC Shongwe handed over drums and traditional attire to a traditional group of dancers who are learners at Sizofunda Primary School in Sundra near Delmas. He also donated R2500 from his pocket to the school management.