As holidaymakers and motorists head off to various destinations for the Easter long weekend, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has shared tips on how to get there safely.

Motorists have been urged to be responsible on the road and ensure they and their loved ones arrive alive.

Before any journey ensure you:
•    Check your vehicle and make sure it is roadworthy.
•    Carry a valid driver’s license.
•    Check your tyres thoroughly.
•    Have a spare wheel (make sure you have a wheel spanner).
•    Get your battery tested before heading out.
•    Have your shocks checked.
•    Have your lights checked.
•    Have your wipers checked.
•    Make sure your public driving permit is in order if you need one.
•    Maintain focus and avoid distractions like cellphones.
•    Be sure to pay special attention to your blind spots.
•    Do not engage in secondary activities while driving. 
•    Wear your seatbelt, even for short journeys.

If you are a pedestrian this Easter weekend, make smart choices and:
•    Only cross the road at a marked intersection or pedestrian crossing.
•    Avoid jaywalking.
•    Wear bright clothing at night.
•    Walk on the pavement rather than on the road.
•    Avoid wearing earphones or texting while you’re walking.

As commuters:
•    When disembarking make sure it is safe to do so, and only once the vehicle has come to a complete stop. 
•    Always pass behind the vehicle instead of the front where your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed.
•    Make use of marked pick-up and drop-off points.
•    Don’t distract the driver.

As a motorcyclist:
•    Wear a properly fitted helmet and proper gear for your ride.
•    Focus on the road ahead to anticipate obstacles such as potholes, speed bumps, stationary cars or vehicles that brake suddenly.
•    Increase your visibility by wearing a brightly coloured vest and be vigilant of vehicles that may not be able to see you in their mirrors.
•    Avoid wearing earphones, as you need your ears on full alert.
•    Obey the rules of the road, like adhering to speed limits.  

The Easter and Festive Season period is a critical period for road traffic management authorities in South Africa.

Road traffic fatalities are among the main causes of death in South Africa. This results in serious social and economic costs for the country. These consequences include the loss of family members, bread winners and leave behind traumatised families. – SAnews.gov.za

FAKE!

This is how the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) described social media posts and screenshots claiming that the Old Age Grant will be stopped in May if certain documents are not updated by 30 April 2025.

SASSA released a statement on 16 April 2025 stating it noted the social media posts with concern and confirmed that the message was incorrect and fake.

“This message is mischievous, and we urge our beneficiaries not to panic, as no grant will be cancelled.

“If a grant needed to be reviewed at a particular time, SASSA will communicate this to the beneficiary whose grant is to be reviewed before any action is taken. 

“The spread of fake news on social media platforms are very unfortunate and they create unnecessary panic to our beneficiaries, particularly the vulnerable and we urge everyone to stop sharing them.

“We appeal to our beneficiaries to only rely on credible sources of information on our official social media pages. Before anyone can share any information pertaining to social grants, they must first verify its authenticity to avoid disseminating false information that may cause anxiety and stress to our beneficiaries”, says Paseka Letsatsi, the SASSA National Spokesperson.

If you are in doubt about your grant please call SASSA toll free on 0800 60 10 11.

The good fight against crime is continuing unabated.

This follows the arrest of over 1000 suspects in Gauteng for various crimes between April 7 and 13, 2025.

The arrests form part of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Operation Shanela.

“During the operation, a total of 81 undocumented persons were arrested, 105 were nabbed for drunk driving and 13 for possession of drugs. About 10 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed down and a substantial amount of liquor seized,” said SAPS in a statement. 

Among the 1067 arrests, 840 were wanted suspects across the province.

The actions conducted on the operations included roadblocks, stop and searches, liquor and second-hand goods compliance inspections, vehicle checkpoints and patrols. Source: SAnews.gov.za

THE City of Cape Town’s crime fighting teams had good successes in the past week (7 to 10 April 2025).

According to the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, the traffic services, metro police, and law enforcement teams were deployed to the Steenberg area in an effort to assist the SAPS.

“The area has recently seen a surge in gang-related shootings. It was during this deployment that our traffic team recovered a stolen motor vehicle in Vrygrond near Muizenberg on Monday, 7 April. The vehicle was located with the support of SAPS Flying Squad, and two suspects were arrested for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

“On Tuesday, 8 April our law enforcement officers on patrol in Woodstock spotted a suspicious vehicle and stopped it, discovering that it was also stolen. The driver was arrested.

“Also in Woodstock, on Wednesday 9 April law enforcement officers arrested three suspects for possession of a variety of drugs,” said Smith.

Other arrests included a 21-year-old man for possession of a prohibited gun in Hanover Park, a 23-year-old man for drug dealing and a third suspect in Gugulethu for possession of prohibited firearm and ammunition.

SOMETHING good is coming to South Africa’s borders soon.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) announced at a media briefing in Pretoria on 10 April 2025 that four drones and 40 body cameras will be deployed for the first time at the country’s ports of entry over the coming Easter weekend.

The AI (Artificial Intelligence) powered drones are equipped with some of the most advanced night vision cameras in the world.

The devices are able to recognise and lock onto heat sources, moving people or vehicles. They can travel at speeds f oup to 43 kilometres per hour and are capable of operating in remote rural areas and underground without access to GPS.

The Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber told the briefing the launch of this technology marks the biggest step forward for increased border security and management.

“Data shows that when we first trialled the use of drones over the festive season, the number of attempted illegal crossings that were successfully prevented, increased by 215%,” said the Minister.

He said the BMA will now permanently deploy this cutting-edge technology on a fulltime basis.

“As we roll out more and more cutting-edge technology, there are fewer and fewer places to hide for criminals who undermine our national security,” he said.

The body cameras will be fitted to officials working in the port environment to detect and punish acts of corruption, while also monitoring the efficiency of officials.

“Importantly, the cameras are linked to a dedicated Digital Evidence Management System which ensures that all footage is admissible in court to ensure successful convictions.”

BMA Commissioner Dr Micheal Masiapato said the Easter period is traditionally characterised by a significant spike in the movement of people and goods across the country’s ports.

“During this period, families travel for religious observances, holidays, and cultural gatherings, while traders and transporters increase activity in preparation for the long Easter weekend. 

“These heightened activities bring both opportunities and risks, requiring a concerted and integrated operational response,” he said.

The BMA will train eight officers to become expert drone pilots.