SAUSIC National Spokesperson Pastor Lesiba Kgwele
By Pastor Lesiba Kgwele
Spokesperson South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC)
The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Tuesday called for zero tolerance road traffic law enforcement and improved visibility in order to reduce the carnage on public roads.
This follows a horrific crash involving two trucks and a minibus taxi that claimed 13 lives on the R81 road at Ga-Sekgopo near Mooketsi in Limpopo.
It is understood that all the deceased including a child aged between seven and ten years old as well as the driver of the minibus taxi were travelling from a church service at Solomondale to Magoro village outside Giyani.
SAUCIC President, Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Modiri Shole said that religious tourism increases traffic on our public roads and must be supported by zero tolerance road traffic law operations to clamp on lawlessness as well as prevent road crashes and fatalities on public roads roads.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastating loss of lives that have left the country and faith communities numb with shock and urge churches to keep families that are mourning the untimely deaths of their loved ones in their prayers,” remarked Cardinal Shole representing Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches affiliated to SAUCIC.
Dr Shole appealed for the Easter Road Safety Strategy that resulted in zero fatalities during the annual Zion Christian Church (ZCC) pilgrimage to be replicated to other areas during public holidays and long weekends.
He declared that, one life lost on public roads is a life too many.
“There must be an offensive against reckless driving, speeding and drunken driving particularly towards the festive season including a clampdown of unroadworthy public transport vehicles such as trucks and taxis,” he emphasised.
Shole urged motorists travelling long distances to rest after every two hours to avoid fatigue which he described as a killer.
“Truck drivers and taxi drivers must be cautious and vigilant. Observing safe following distance will ensure that motorists are able to avoid accidents in the event there is need to apply brakes,” he added.