While South Africans prepare to hit the roads over the Easter long weekend, the Gauteng provincial government is shifting into gear in a new aggressive campaign to save lives – and hard-hitting crime. In an aggressive display of unity, provincial and municipal leaders have launched an array of integrated safety initiatives aimed at cutting road fatalities, hijackings, and car spiking, particularly in hot spots such as Slovo Park bordering Eldorado Park.

The operation, led by MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela and Premier Panyaza Lesufi, got underway on Monday on the N12 Highway. There were blue flashing lights, roadblocks, and a strong police presence, the atmosphere tense but optimistic – just like the gravity of the work to be done.

“Crime has become too normalised in areas such as Slovo Park,” Diale-Tlabela told reporters at the scene.

“But that stops today. The Premier will shortly be announcing an integrated approach on crime. We are working together with community-based organisations in crime-ridden areas of the province. And today, our presence here is not symbolic – it’s action-oriented.”

Safety in numbers: A multi-layered approach

The Easter road safety campaign is not only about being seen. It’s a multi-faceted strategy involving municipalities, metropole police, public safety departments, and even private sector players such as Coca-Cola and Diageo, which have partnered with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to tackle road safety dangers head-on.

“Easter is a time when families travel together, and we must ensure that they all arrive safe,” JMPD spokesman Xolani Fihla said. He agreed that over 112 motorists were already arrested this month on charges of drunk driving – a figure which he characterised as “alarming, but unfortunately not unexpected”.

To tackle this, the police have boosted patrols at hotspots like the Grasmere Toll Plaza, a gateway for thousands of visitors heading south from Johannesburg. There, the police are conducting stringent roadworthiness checks, monitoring speeding, and employing breathalysers to test for drunk drivers. Public transport vehicles are being closely watched in particular.

Education meets enforcement

But the campaign is not just about policing up. It’s also about building a safety-first culture through raising awareness in the public. At roadblocks, officers distribute booklets with essential Easter safety tips: plan ahead, avoid distractions, wear your seatbelt, and most importantly – do not drink and drive.

Lelethu Ndyamboti, the spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg’s Public Safety Department, believes the strategy is already yielding dividends.

“People must understand that safety is not just the responsibility of the government – it’s all of us,” Ndyamboti said.

“As a driver or as a pedestrian, your behavior can save lives or put them at risk.”

From Slovo Park to Grasmere: Crime has no holiday

In Slovo Park, where hijackings have been common and crime is rampant, people have welcomed the increased police presence. The area has been notorious for spiking cars – a criminal activity of placing sharp objects on the road in a bid to cause cars to stop, then leading to hijacking or robbery.

Speaking to media recently after the launch of the Easter safety initiative, a 43-year-old local resident Phumzile Khumalo said: “This campaign is a light in the darkness for communities like ours. We’ve been living in fear, especially during holidays. It feels like someone is finally listening.”

Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, MMC for Public Safety in Johannesburg, echoed those sentiments.

“Safety doesn’t begin at the city gates – it starts in communities. That’s why we’re also urging citizens to make sure their vehicle documents are up to date and to stay vigilant, especially on highways and in rural stretches.”

Looking ahead: A safer Gauteng for all

As the official City of Johannesburg Easter safety campaign launches this Thursday, officials are preparing for a weekend of major traffic – and major danger. The buildup before the campaign is an indication of a province not soon to see Easter celebrations ruined by crime or tragedy.

“South Africans must be able to travel peacefully during this period,” said Diale-Tlabela.

“This campaign is not only for this Easter. It’s about building a culture of accountability, safety, and care on our roads and in our communities.”

As tourists pack their vehicles and head out to visit family and friends, one thing is certain: this Easter, Gauteng’s road keepers are on alert, working, and ready.