Categories: GovernmentNews

Minister Warns of Easter Alcohol Hazards on Roads

  • Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga emphasizes the significant role of alcohol in road accidents, particularly during the Easter holiday period, urging heightened vigilance among motorists and law enforcement agencies.
  • Traffic authorities, including Chikunga, actively engage in road safety measures at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, targeting negligent driving behaviors exacerbated by alcohol consumption as travelers return home after the Easter long weekend.
  • The Border Management Authority (BMA) completes the first phase of its Easter weekend operations, focusing on facilitating outbound travel and ensuring the smooth transition of travelers amidst heightened holiday traffic, underlining the importance of efficient border management protocols.
Published by
Miriam Matoma

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga emphasized that alcohol continues to be the primary cause of road accidents, echoing concerns shared by traffic officials. Together, they took to manning a roadblock at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, aiming to enforce road safety measures amidst the influx of travelers returning home from various destinations at the close of the Easter long weekend.

Chikunga highlighted the issue of motorists becoming negligent when under the influence of alcohol, stressing the dangers posed by drunk driving, especially in residential areas. She expressed particular concern given the combination of the Easter holiday weekend and the end-of-month payday, foreseeing increased alcohol consumption and subsequent driving, which could escalate the risk of accidents.

In a bid to manage the surge in traffic during the Easter period, the Border Management Authority (BMA) reported the completion of the initial phase of its Easter weekend operations, which focused on facilitating outbound travel. The Easter holidays invariably pose significant challenges for the BMA, with a substantial volume of travelers crossing national borders and moving between provinces to make the most of the extended weekend.

Michael Masiapato, the commissioner of the BMA, affirmed the successful processing of all outgoing travelers from South Africa, marking a crucial milestone in their efforts to ensure smooth travel transitions during the Easter period.


Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, accompanied by traffic officials, recently underscored the persistent threat posed by alcohol-related incidents on the roads. Their vigilance was evident as they manned a roadblock situated at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal. The timing of their intervention was strategic, coinciding with the conclusion of the Easter long weekend, when numerous travelers embarked on their journeys homeward.

Chikunga’s statements shed light on the pervasive issue of motorists exhibiting negligence, particularly when impaired by alcohol consumption. She lamented the reckless behavior observed among individuals who opt to drive under the influence, emphasizing the heightened risks associated with such actions, especially within residential areas. With the convergence of the Easter holiday period and the influx of disposable income following monthly paydays, Chikunga voiced concerns regarding the potential surge in alcohol consumption, which could inevitably translate into a spike in road accidents.

Meanwhile, the Border Management Authority (BMA) diligently executed the initial phase of its operational endeavors during the Easter weekend, focusing primarily on facilitating the outbound movement of travelers. The Easter holidays invariably pose logistical challenges for the BMA, given the substantial influx and exodus of individuals traversing national borders and interprovincial boundaries in pursuit of leisure activities during the extended break.

Michael Masiapato, serving as the commissioner of the BMA, conveyed assurances regarding the successful completion of outbound traveler processing procedures originating from South Africa. This accomplishment signifies a pivotal milestone in the BMA’s overarching objective of streamlining travel logistics and safeguarding the welfare of travelers during the bustling Easter period.


The issue of road safety, particularly concerning the influence of alcohol on driving behavior, took center stage as Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga and traffic authorities converged at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal. Their collective presence aimed to address the escalating risks associated with road travel, exacerbated by the conclusion of the Easter festivities and the subsequent surge in vehicular movement.

Chikunga articulated grave concerns regarding the prevalence of negligent driving practices, notably fueled by alcohol consumption. She decried the reckless tendencies exhibited by motorists, particularly those emboldened to drive under the influence, despite the inherent dangers posed to themselves and others. Drawing attention to the potential correlation between increased alcohol consumption and the Easter weekend coupled with payday, Chikunga cautioned against complacency, fearing a corresponding rise in road accidents.

As travelers embarked on their homeward journeys, the Border Management Authority (BMA) diligently executed its operational strategies, prioritizing the facilitation of outbound travel during the Easter period. Tasked with managing the influx and egress of travelers across national and provincial borders, the BMA played a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless transition of individuals navigating through various travel checkpoints.

Michael Masiapato, assuming the role of BMA commissioner, provided assurances regarding the successful completion of outbound traveler processing procedures. This milestone reflects the concerted efforts of the BMA in upholding stringent travel protocols and safeguarding the well-being of travelers during the bustling Easter period.


In an effort to address the persistent menace of road accidents, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, alongside traffic officials, took proactive measures by establishing a presence at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal. Their concerted efforts were driven by a shared commitment to mitigate the risks associated with road travel, particularly in light of the conclusion of the Easter holiday period and the subsequent surge in vehicular traffic.

Chikunga voiced grave concerns regarding the prevalent issue of negligent driving behaviors, exacerbated by alcohol consumption. She underscored the detrimental impact of driving under the influence, emphasizing the heightened risks posed to motorists and pedestrians alike. With the Easter weekend coinciding with monthly paydays, Chikunga raised alarm bells regarding the potential escalation in alcohol-related incidents, thereby necessitating enhanced vigilance on the part of law enforcement agencies.

As travelers embarked on their respective journeys homeward, the Border Management Authority (BMA) assumed a pivotal role in managing the influx of travelers traversing national and provincial borders. Their operational focus on facilitating outbound travel during the Easter period underscored the agency’s commitment to ensuring the seamless movement of individuals amidst heightened holiday traffic.

Michael Masiapato, serving as the commissioner of the BMA, provided reassurances regarding the successful completion of outbound traveler processing procedures. This achievement stands as a testament to the agency’s unwavering dedication to upholding stringent travel protocols and safeguarding the welfare of travelers during the bustling Easter period.


Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, in collaboration with traffic authorities, recently converged at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, underscoring the pressing issue of road safety amidst the conclusion of the Easter holiday period. Their proactive engagement aimed to address the inherent risks associated with increased vehicular movement, particularly in light of the prevalent influence of alcohol on driving behaviors.

Chikunga’s remarks shed light on the concerning trend of negligent driving practices, often exacerbated by alcohol consumption. She lamented the reckless disregard for safety exhibited by motorists, emphasizing the imperative of curbing drunk driving to mitigate the associated risks of accidents and fatalities. Against the backdrop of the Easter weekend and subsequent payday, Chikunga sounded a cautionary note regarding the anticipated surge in alcohol-related incidents, necessitating heightened vigilance from law enforcement agencies.

As travelers commenced their homeward journeys, the Border Management Authority (BMA) assumed a pivotal role in managing the flow of outbound traffic during the Easter period. Tasked with overseeing the movement of individuals across national and provincial borders, the BMA played a critical role in ensuring the efficient processing of outgoing travelers, thereby facilitating seamless travel transitions amidst heightened holiday traffic.

Michael Masiapato, entrusted with the leadership of the BMA, provided assurances regarding the successful execution of outbound traveler processing procedures. This milestone serves as a testament to the agency’s unwavering commitment to promoting safe and secure travel during the bustling Easter period, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding the well-being of travelers nationwide.

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Miriam Matoma

Miriam is a freelance writer, she covers economics and government news for Rateweb. You can contact her on: Email: miriam@rateweb.co.za Twitter: @MatomaMiriam