Road Safety Partnership South Africa (RSPSA) has taken a proactive approach to mark the beginning of the 7th UN Global Road Safety Week 2024. The week-long event, celebrated and commemorated globally, focuses on sustainable transport, emphasizing the necessity to transition to walking, cycling, and utilizing public transportation. Understanding the significance of this year’s theme, RSPSA has organised four events spanning two days for schools participating in the global VIA Programme, generously sponsored by TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa.
The statistics speak volumes: individuals aged 5-29 years constitute the most vulnerable demographic, with one in every four deaths globally occurring among pedestrians and cyclists. Consequently, there is a pressing need to equip young children with the tools and knowledge required to safely navigate their journeys to and from school.
On Thursday, 2nd May, the inaugural event unfolded at IsiZiba Primary School, the first runner-up school representing South Africa on the global stage of the VIA creative competition. Moriting Primary School followed as the second stop on our itinerary. The day brimmed with engaging road safety activities, including in-class demonstrations of VIA by school facilitators, entertaining yet educational segments presented by learners, showcasing their newfound knowledge of road safety. Moreover, the event saw the presentation of Creative Competition vouchers as an expression of gratitude to schools participating in the global VIA Creative Competition 2023.
The occasion witnessed the presence of various stakeholders, including School Governing Bodies (SGBs), the Department of Education, Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and the esteemed funders of the VIA programme, TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa.
Friday, 3rd May, the mission continued as we visited two additional schools: Job Maseko Primary School and Michael Mkhwanazi Primary School. The commitment to spreading road safety awareness remained unwavering, with each visit fostering a culture of safety-consciousness among learners, educators, and communities alike.
As we reflect on the success of the VIA Schools Road Safety Day and Creative Competition Giveaway, we are reminded of the collective responsibility we bear in safeguarding the lives of our youth on our roads. Through education, empowerment, and collaborative efforts, we can strive towards a future where road safety is not just a priority but a way of life.
RSPSA extends its heartfelt appreciation to all participants, sponsors, and stakeholders for their unwavering support in making this initiative a resounding success. Together, let us continue to pave the way for safer roads and brighter futures.