"A notable reduction of road crashes involving stray animals has been recorded since the introduction of the Road Safety Rangers". This was illustrated by the MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management Sello Lehari during 2021/22 budget speech presentation.

He said the rangers' programme is not only set to create jobs but also to reduce the number of vehicle crashes involving, especially, stray animals within rural and farming communities across the Province.

“Department significantly increased the number of Road Safety Rangers appointed through Expanded Public Works Programme to 118 with only 94 currently in operation. These community members are contracted for a twelve months period to assist the department with the management of movement of stray animals on identified roads across the Province,” said Lehari.

MEC indicated that the Department will strengthen relations with all stakeholders to ensure sustainability of the project, which will be implemented in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and together engaged with the existing and active Youth Structures, Non-Profit Organisations (NPO’s), and Faith Based Organisations (FBO’s), which are involved in road safety matters.

“The purpose of this exercise is to ensure the involvement of the youth in addressing road safety challenges within their communities. These engagements will strengthen the Provincial efforts in involving the youth on road safety matters and further ensure the development of road safety youth programmes which are responsive to their needs and challenges,” concluded Lehari.

An amount of R 2,9 million has been set aside to implement the project for the financial year 2021/22.

Meanwhile, last year the department conducted 168 successful road safety awareness activities with specific focus on pedestrian safety, passenger and driver safety, stray animals and cyclists safety.