Western Cape Traffic Law Enforcement and Public Works in conjunction with Lwandle police held a road safety awareness at Asanda Village on Thursday 12 May.
The integrated road safety awareness was held at Hlathi Drive to alert learners from Solomon Qatyana and Christmas Tinto primary schools as well as their counterparts from Simanyene High School.
The initiative also targeted residents going to work and drivers. They were all warned to remain vigilant.
Police and traffic officers urged motorists and pedestrians to be vigilant, particularly on routes that are always busy in the mornings and afternoons.
As part of the initiative the officers handed out various pamphlets to road users while learners carried posters with road safety tips.
The campaign comes three weeks after a Grade 3 learner from Qatyana was knocked down and injured by a car while trying to cross Hlathi on the way to school.
The child has since recovered from the accident.
Nontsikelelo Ngqabuko, official from the Department of Transport and Public Works, said they combined Global Road Safety Week with Child Protection Week to drive their message to the community of Lwandle and the surrounding areas.
“We wanted to highlight the plight of children that are being knocked over on that specific road. We are now advocating for the decrease of speed from 60 to 30km/h which we believe will decrease the number of road accidents,” she said.
Ngqabuko said they are appealing to authorities to listen to their pleas in order to save children’s lives.
Sgt Mthokozisi Gama, Lwandle police spokesperson, urged residents to be extra careful when travelling on the road.
“Both drivers, pedestrians need to be watchful on that road, especially during the peak hours.
“Motorists need to slow down and follow proper road instructions,” he said.
Gama also called on parents to accompany their children in the morning and to help them to cross the road.
The team also visited Good Morning Crèche situated in Lwandle. They also cautioned the young minds about road safety and sexual offences.
The programme began with children taking a walk-about with all the enforcement agencies before they were taught about road safety.
Patricia Thakholi, of Patch Helderberg Child Abuse Centre, made children aware of their body parts, especially those that are not supposed to be touched by other people.
She urged the children to seek police help if they are touched inappropriately.
