KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma Ramps Up Road Safety Inspections Ahead Of Easter Long Weekend

Transport MEC Siboniso Duma targets zero fatalities this Easter in KZN, launching strict vehicle inspections and road infrastructure updates at uMdloti RTI.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 9:28 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from IOL News

Proactive Vehicle Inspections At uMdloti Traffic Station

In preparation for the significant influx of travelers during the Easter and Passover weekend, KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma conducted a series of rigorous vehicle inspections on Tuesday. Operating at the uMdloti Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) station, Duma and Head of Department Zibusiso Dlamini personally oversaw the screening of public transport vehicles. Of the first 17 vehicles inspected, four were immediately suspended from operation due to critical safety failures. The checks focused on essential mechanical components, including brake functionality, fluid leaks, and tire integrity, to ensure that buses and taxis transporting congregants are legally compliant.

Building On Recent Successes In Fatality Reduction

The MEC highlighted a positive trend in provincial road safety, noting that accidents in KwaZulu-Natal have decreased by 18% since October 2024. This statistical improvement serves as the benchmark for the current Easter operations, with Duma expressing a goal of "zero lives lost" during the high-volume travel period. By intensifying law enforcement visibility and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for unroadworthy vehicles, the department aims to sustain this downward trend in road carnage while managing the unique pressures of the holiday season.

Infrastructure Rehabilitation Following Devastating Floods

A significant portion of the province’s safety strategy involves the ongoing repair of road networks damaged by catastrophic floods in 2022 and 2023. Duma welcomed an additional allocation of R641.3 million dedicated to the rehabilitation of these routes. While the province manages over 34,000 kilometers of road network, the MEC acknowledged that budget constraints remain a hurdle for total tarring and maintenance. However, he emphasized that current repairs are essential for enhancing the traveler experience and encouraging continued tourism and investment in the region.