14 May 2025

Selebi Phikwe Town Council mayor has called for collective efforts to enhance road safety.

Mr Oageng Makgosa said the current state of road safety in the country was worrisome as statistical evidence showed that an average of 400 lives were lost annually on the roads citing that 396 lives were lost in 2023 while in 2024 about 343 lives were lost.  He said this during the 8^th United Nations Global Road Safety Week organised by the Department of Road Transport and Safety Committee in Selebi Phikwe yesterday. 

Mr Makgosa also said that every year millions of people lost lives or suffered serious injuries on the roads adding that the country witnessed the devastating impact of road traffic accidents on families, communities, and the nation at large, hence the need for collaborative efforts.

“Road safety is not just a matter of statistics but it’s a matter of human life. Each one of us should play a crucial role in ensuring that our roads are safe. It is not enough to rely solely on traffic and law enforcement officers. We must engage in safe practices such as obeying traffic rules, using pedestrian crossing, and being alert while driving,” he said.

Mr Makgosa further stated that the latest World Health Organisation reports indicated that road traffic injuries were a leading cause of death, injuries and disability in the world, with Africa hard hit, and Botswana not spared. Mr Makgosa also commended Selebi Phikwe District Road Safety Committee for observing the Global Road Safety week, saying their efforts would continue to raise awareness and educate on road safety matters.

For his part, District Traffic Officer in Selebi Phikwe, Superintendent Norman Ntope expressed concern about some drivers who continued to speed, especially on in-built roads, saying that put the lives of pedestrians and other road users at risk.

Selebi Phikwe Road Safety Committee chairperson, Mr Letshwao Mogorosi said the committee was aware of the bad state of some roads. However he said relevant authorities were working collectively to address the situation.   The commemoration was held under the theme: Streets for life, Make Walking and Cycling Safe, meant to emphasise and draw attention to the co-benefits of making walking and cycling safe. ENDS