Transport Minister Barbara Creecy is pushing for a total ban on drinking before driving, saying government wants a zero-tolerance alcohol limit on South Africa’s roads after more than 1,400 people died during the 2025/26 festive season.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, she announced plans to amend Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act to remove the current legal allowance for limited alcohol consumption before driving, effectively banning drinking and driving altogether.

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Creecy said the move was driven by evidence that alcohol remains a major contributor to deadly crashes, with the department’s preliminary festive-season report showing that law enforcement tested more than 173,000 drivers for alcohol and arrested 8,561 motorists for drunken driving — a 144% increase in alcohol-related arrests compared with the previous year.

“In today’s South Africa, it is totally unacceptable that there is a law that allows people to drink and then drive,” she said, adding that the proposed amendments would send a strong message about accountability on the roads.

A key concern highlighted in the data is that more than 40% of crashes and fatalities occurred between 15 and 28 December 2025, largely away from national highways.

According to Creecy, these incidents mostly happened on back routes, involved private vehicles, and occurred in the evenings and early hours of the morning, indicating that they were linked to social drinking rather than long-distance travel.

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“These were not long-distance travellers; they were party revellers who had serious accidents that resulted in several deaths,” she said.

Preliminary data released by the department shows that 1,427 fatalities were recorded from 1,172 crashes between 1 December 2025 and 11 January 2026, representing a 5% decrease compared to the same period the previous year.

“While it’s important that the statistics are moving in the right direction, this death toll is completely unacceptable,” Creecy said.

While the decline marks the lowest number of festive-season crashes in five years, Creecy said the figures still represented a national crisis, stating that “death on our roads is not inevitable, and it is not unavoidable”.

The data shows that human behaviour remains the dominant cause of road crashes. About 80% of accidents were attributed to human error, including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and unsafe pedestrian behaviour, while only 20% were linked to environmental factors such as heavy rain and poor road conditions.

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Small motor cars accounted for 55% of vehicles involved in crashes, followed by light delivery vehicles at 20%, while buses and trucks were involved in just 7% and 6% of incidents, respectively.

Law enforcement efforts were significantly intensified during the festive season. More than 1.8 million vehicles were stopped at 1,632 roadblocks nationwide.

Creecy said the figures reinforced the need for a clear and unambiguous legal position on alcohol and driving.

The department said the proposed legislative amendments, combined with sustained enforcement and public education, form part of a broader strategy to halve road deaths by 2030.

However, Creecy warned that laws and policing alone would not be enough without changes in individual behaviour, particularly around alcohol use during the festive season.

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South Africa’s roads remain perilous during the festive season, with official data showing that fatalities have hovered within a narrow but deadly range over the past three years, with a slight uptick recorded in the most recent reporting period.

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) consolidated festive season reports, a total of 1,560 people were killed on South African roads during the 2022/23 festive season, followed by a marginal decline to 1,552 fatalities in 2023/24.

That improvement proved short-lived.

During the 2024/25 festive period, covering 1 December 2024 to 11 January 2025, 1,589 people died in 1,286 fatal crashes, marking a 2.38% increase from the previous season and reversing the earlier stagnation.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy launched the 2025/26 festive-season road safety campaign in early December, revealing that more than 9,400 road fatalities have been recorded nationally this year, despite a year-on-year reduction of about 700 deaths.

She described the decrease as the first reduction in five years, but warned the peak holiday period remained “particularly dangerous” as traffic volumes surge.

“Since the start of the festive season on December 1, in the first nine days, preliminary figures are recorded at 213 fatal crashes resulting in 249 fatalities. This accounts for a 30% decline for both fatal crashes and fatalities compared to the same period in 2024,” Creecy said during a road-safety briefing on the N1 Gauteng-Limpopo corridor.

The RTMC’s 46-day festive reporting window consistently shows a concentration of deaths over weekends and during evening hours.

Across all three seasons, Fridays to Sundays accounted for the majority of fatal crashes, with late afternoon and evening, roughly between 16:00 and 23:00, emerging as the most dangerous time to travel.

In 2024/25 alone, 41% of fatal crashes occurred on Saturdays and Sundays, underscoring the lethal combination of high traffic volumes, fatigue, alcohol use and reduced visibility.

Pedestrians remain the single most vulnerable group on South Africa’s roads.

In the 2024/25 festive season, pedestrians accounted for 41.9% of all fatalities, virtually unchanged from 41.2% in 2023/24.

Passengers made up about a third of deaths, while drivers accounted for roughly a quarter, a distribution that has remained remarkably consistent over the three-year period.

Adults aged 25 to 44 years were most affected, comprising just over half of all fatalities in 2024/25, while men accounted for approximately three-quarters of those killed.

Investigations continue to point overwhelmingly to human behaviour as the primary cause of festive-season crashes.

The RTMC attributes more than 80% of fatal crashes in 2024/25 to human factors, including jaywalking, excessive speed, reckless overtaking and hit-and-run incidents.

Vehicle-related issues such as tyre failures, along with environmental factors like poor lighting and slippery road surfaces, remain secondary but persistent contributors.

Provincial patterns fluctuate year to year, but certain regions remain recurring hotspots.

In the most recent festive season, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Limpopo together accounted for roughly 63% of all road deaths, with KwaZulu-Natal recording the highest share at nearly 20%.

Gauteng, which had contributed around a fifth of fatalities in 2023/24, saw its share drop to about 15.5% in 2024/25, showing how enforcement intensity, traffic flows and local conditions can sharply alter provincial outcomes.

The Department of Transport’s “It Starts with Me” campaign revolves around individual responsibility.

The campaign will see 800 national traffic police officers deployed to high-risk provinces including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, alongside 24-hour patrols, intensified weekend operations and roadblocks on critical routes such as the N1, N2, N3, N4, N17, and secondary roads like the Moloto Road and the R61.

Roadworthiness and load management checks are planned at major weighbridges, while civil-society partners such as taxi union Santaco have committed to tackling driver fatigue by encouraging the use of relief drivers and regular rest breaks on long-distance routes.

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Weather conditions for the summer period from December 2025 to April 2026

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is forecasting partly cloudy conditions over the festive season, with rainfall expected mostly in the afternoons and an increased likelihood of thunderstorm activity.

SAWS senior forecaster Jaqueline Modika addressed the media at a briefing hosted by the National Press Club at the Court Classique Hotel in Pretoria, about the expected weather conditions for the summer period from December 2025 to April 2026 — a time marked by heightened outdoor activity.

“Looking ahead to the festive season, including Christmas and the New Year period, the South African Weather Service expects partly cloudy and warm-to-cool conditions across much of the country. Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are anticipated mainly over the central and eastern parts of South Africa,” she said.

“Thunderstorm activity is expected to occur primarily in the afternoons, although periods of increased moisture may result in morning showers in some areas. Much of the rainfall during this period will be associated with afternoon and evening thundershowers, which may at times be accompanied by heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds.”

Modika said it was important that communities, government and decision-makers were properly informed, to ensure coordinated measures to contain and minimise potential risks during the period.

She added that SAWS remains ready to support disaster risk reduction efforts, particularly following the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) roadmap, which was launched in October as part of a G20 Summit side event. The initiative highlights the drive to protect people from adverse weather through inclusive, life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027.

Modika said SAWS’ commitment goes beyond issuing scientifically informed warnings, and includes implementing “timely, accessible, understandable and actionable” measures, with an emphasis on vulnerable communities to reduce disruption from severe weather.

“The public is strongly urged to take weather warnings seriously, as they play a critical role in reducing the risk of injury, loss of life or property damage. It is of utmost importance for the public, particularly vulnerable communities, to regularly consult credible weather forecast and warnings sources for developments and take appropriate action as part of their daily routine,” Modika said.

She also encouraged practical safety steps during thunderstorms and heavy rain, including seeking shelter, securing property, avoiding travel through flooded roads, and reporting fallen trees and damage to municipal authorities as part of broader efforts to prevent injuries and save lives.

“Avoid crossing flooded bridges, stay informed by following official SAWS weather updates, take necessary precautions during thunderstorm activity, ensure festive travel plans consider changing weather conditions,” she said.

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If Durban had an official festive-season love language, it would be the humble bunny chow. This hollowed-out bread loaf crammed with curry is designed for sharing and shameless finger licking.

Start where locals will tell you the pilgrimage begins: The legendary Gounden’s. It’s a no-frills, all-flavour stop that keeps drawing crowds for classic Durban-style curry-in-bread at 520 Umbilo Road. Once visited, you will return.

Next, slide into Glenwood for CaneCutters, which leans into the legend of the dish and proudly talks up its “world famous” bunny chow at 53 Helen Joseph Road (Davenport Road). Come hungry, leave satisfied.  

For an old-school Durban institution feel, go to Capsicum at the Britannia Hotel, a sit-down option when you want your bunny chow with a little more ceremony (and maybe a post-lunch wander). Find it at 1299 Umgeni Road.

In the CBD, Patels Vegetarian is a must if you’re chasing a proper veg bunny that’s simple, affordable, and deeply Durban. Find Patel’s at 202 Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street.

Last, but never least, when the day runs long (beach, braai, family visits, repeat), Sunrise Chip ‘n Ranch – the other name for the iconic Johnny’s Roti, is a reliable, late-night-friendly classic at 89 Sparks Road that will fulfil your “just one more, bunny, please” craving.

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The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport said it recorded major law-enforcement outcomes from intensified operations across the province from December 22 to 28.

The operations included inspections by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), it said.

GTI maintained an intensified law-enforcement presence across Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni to enforce compliance, inspect vehicle roadworthiness and test for drunk driving.

The department said in a statement on Tuesday that it issued hundreds of infringement notices, discontinued unsafe vehicles, made arrests for serious offences and impounded vehicles operating unlawfully. The measures were aimed at enforcing safety requirements and preventing road accidents, it said.

“A total of 45 vehicles were discontinued, 30 vehicles impounded, and 27 arrests were effected, mainly for drunk driving and bribery. Enforcement also targeted public transport compliance, resulting in 187 minibuses found without licence discs, 193 drivers operating without valid driving licences, and 65 minibuses discontinued,” said the department.

Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the results showed the effectiveness of the measures deployed to tackle lawlessness on the roads, adding that the operation was critical to save lives and ensure safe public transport.

“Reckless driving, drunk driving and corruption will not be tolerated on our roads. Our inspectors remain visible and decisive in protecting road users during this high-risk festive period,” said Diale-Tlabela.

Festive-season law-enforcement operations will continue across Gauteng into early 2026, when most people are expected to be travelling back from holidays or returning to work.

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In South Africa, the festive season is always described as a kaleidoscope of colour, culture, and community. This year’s celebrations capture the spirit of togetherness that defines Ubuntu.

From the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the sandy shores of Durban, families and friends gathered to share meals, laughter, and music.

The unmistakable aroma of a braai filled the air in countless backyards, as boerewors, chicken, and lamb chops sizzled over open flames. For many, the braai is more than just food; it is a ritual of connection, a chance to pause and savour the joy of being together.

Whether it’s a braai, a beach day, or a family feast, South Africans celebrate Christmas with a blend of tradition and modern flair. This collection of images is a testament to the resilience, joy, and unity that shine brightest during the festive season.

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Transport minister Barbara Creecy said on Friday that road deaths and fatal crashes fell by 30% in the first nine days of the festive season.

But she warned the peak holiday period remained “particularly dangerous” as traffic volumes surge.

“Since the start of the festive season on December 1, in the first 9 days, preliminary figures are recorded at 213 fatal crashes resulting in 249 fatalities. This accounts for a 30% decline for both fatal crashes and fatalities compared to the same period in 2024,” Creecy said during a road-safety briefing on the N1 Gauteng-Limpopo corridor.

The festive season road safety campaign started on 1 December and runs to 14 January.

She told reporters the N1 was among the country’s busiest routes as travellers head to holiday destinations and freight operators supply goods ahead of the 16 December public holiday.

Creecy said year-to-date figures showed an improvement in road safety, but pedestrian deaths remained a major concern.

“Year to date figures, for the period ended 30 November 2025 indicates preliminary road crashes at 8 613 and the corresponding number of fatalities at 10 089. This shows an improvement in comparison to the prior year, where fatal crashes for the period were 9 288 and fatalities were 10 878, this is a reduction of 7,3% for both crashes and fatalities.

“There is a need to emphasise the increasing trend in pedestrian fatalities which accounts for the majority of fatalities at 46%, the most dominant crash type is accident with pedestrian which is observed in over 30% of crashes,” she said.

While fatalities fell in most provinces in the first nine days of the campaign, Mpumalanga remained a problem.

“Crashes and fatalities have so far decreased in all provinces except for Mpumalanga, where there is a 13% increase in crashes and 53% increase in fatalities,” she said. “Average crashes per day have decreased from 34 to 24, while average fatalities per day have declined from 40 to 28.”

She said major incidents involving multiple deaths, public transport and heavy vehicles, could increase the crash severity rate.

She said authorities had intensified enforcement and alcohol testing since the campaign began.

“Improvements in road safety indicators are promising and need to be sustained, we recognise that it is early days with 36 days still to go. The festive season remains a particularly dangerous time given traffic volumes and behavioural patterns of our road users.

“To respond to these challenges, authorities have strengthened law enforcement efforts to mitigate the risks. Since the start of the festive season campaign, 458 roadblocks were conducted in which 341 306 vehicles were stopped and checked.

“A total of 42 892 drivers were tested for alcohol and 741 were arrested for drunken driving. An additional 689 drivers, passengers and pedestrians were arrested for various other offences including speeding, reckless and negligent driving, jaywalking and being in the country illegally,” she said.

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The City of Tshwane says it is ramping up enforcement, emergency readiness and public transparency after releasing new data showing thousands of road violations, hundreds of drunk-driving arrests, rising fire incidents, and sustained pressure from severe weather between June and October. 

Presenting the figures at its first quarterly public-safety briefing on Tuesday, officials warned that the festive season and ongoing heavy rains will place even greater strain on policing and emergency services, urging residents to play a more active role in preventing avoidable deaths, injuries and service disruptions.

Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya said the new public-safety reporting system was introduced in direct response to growing calls from residents for more consistent and accessible information on crime and emergency trends.

“Communities across Tshwane have asked for more transparency, more regular information, and clearer insight into what is happening in their neighbourhoods,” she said, emphasising that improved safety remains central to boosting investor confidence.

Turning to traffic enforcement, TMPD Commissioner Yolande Faro detailed an extensive enforcement drive supported by 438 road-policing operations conducted over the reporting period. Officers issued 105,937 out-to-one notices, 88,047 out-to-31 notices, and 215,657 speed infringement notices, painting a picture of widespread non-compliance with road regulations.

Faro said drunk driving continues to pose one of the city’s most serious risks, with 819 arrests recorded for driving under the influence. Regions 1, 4 and 6 accounted for the highest arrest volumes. To curb alcohol-related crashes, the city has expanded partnerships with SAB and [Outwear.org] to encourage responsible drinking.

She added that pedestrian behaviour remains a major concern. In total, 732 pedestrians were arrested as a source of danger, often for walking on freeways, with many of them being undocumented immigrants. 

Infrastructure-related crime also required intensive action, with the city conducting 57 cable-theft operations, supported by quad bikes in difficult terrain, to combat one of the biggest drivers of electricity outages. Pretoria North continues to experience the highest number of incidents.

Strengthening road safety further, the city relaunched its Akasia and Centurion waybridges, which allowed TMPD to process 3,137 overloaded or suspect vehicles between July and October. 

Many of these heavy vehicles were linked to cross-border transport and the busy industrial corridors around Pretoria North and Rosslyn. Officials said the renewed waybridge capacity is essential to reducing road damage and preventing fatal accidents involving heavy trucks.

Faro said that enforcement efforts extended well beyond traffic. Over the same period, the metro took part in 108 Shanela operations and 20 Rea Spana operations, which targeted crime hotspots and boosted high-visibility policing in areas of concern.

Alongside these crackdowns, the city conducted 291 social crime-prevention programmes. These included anti-bullying initiatives in schools and support activities for women’s shelters, illustrating the administration’s dual approach of enforcement and community support.

The metro is also expanding its human-resource capacity. Of the newly appointed safety ambassadors, 83 of the 120 have been deployed across malls, CBDs and SASSA pay points to assist with visibility and early response.

Planning for long-term staffing is underway as well, with 200 new TMPD recruits scheduled to begin training in January 2026. Several senior leadership posts, including seven brigadiers, are currently being finalised in an effort to stabilise the department.

Shifting to emergency and disaster response, Emergency Services Chief Moshema Petrus Mosia reported thousands of incidents recorded between July and October. The bulk of these involved 2,360 grass and rubbish fires, often fuelled by illegal burning and littering. 

Emergency teams also responded to 508 structural and transport fires and 225 transport-related callouts, while 29 flooding incidents were reported as early summer rains intensified.

Mosia said emergency teams dealt with a wide range of complex rescue operations, including people trapped in lifts, livestock caught in drainage systems and cases requiring the removal of rings or handcuffs from distressed individuals.

With the South African Weather Service predicting above-normal rainfall throughout summer, the city has fully activated its Disaster Management Centre in Akasia and is coordinating closely across departments. This multi-layered readiness plan aims to manage expected storms, falling trees, infrastructure pressure and water-related emergencies.

He urged residents to avoid flooded areas, secure outdoor objects in windy conditions and report storm damage or blockages promptly to prevent secondary emergencies.

MMC for Community Safety Hannes Coetzee said the improvements seen across policing and emergency operations were supported by the Inter-Departmental By-law Enforcement Committee (IBEC), a structure introduced after the new administration took office in October 2024. Coetzee said IBEC has significantly enhanced coordination among departments and has already been replicated in other Gauteng municipalities.

He highlighted strengthened CCTV coverage, new cable-protection technology, increased infrastructure security and enhanced officer visibility as key contributors to better safety outcomes. Recent external assessments, he said, suggest Tshwane may now be the safest metro in South Africa.

As the briefing concluded, Mayor Moya cautioned that the approaching festive season, coming at the same time as increasingly severe weather patterns, is expected to place additional strain on safety systems across the metro. She said busier roads, packed shopping centres and rising storm-related incidents all heighten risk.

Moya appealed to residents to exercise caution by avoiding low-water bridges, staying alert in crowded areas and driving responsibly. 

She confirmed that the city has activated a comprehensive festive-season safety plan, which includes intensified roadblocks, targeted patrols, infrastructure-protection measures and expanded rapid-response capacity.

Officials stressed that while the city is scaling up its operational response, public safety ultimately depends on partnership. They said residents must play their part to reduce preventable emergencies and ensure a safer holiday period for all.

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