Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa has identified a disturbing new trend on South African roads: drivers creating social media content while behind the wheel. Speaking at the launch of the Easter Arrive Alive Campaign in Gqeberha on Sunday, Hlengwa described this behavior as “a new pandemic” threatening road safety.
The campaign launch comes as part of the ministry’s intensified efforts to address the country’s concerning road fatality rates. Hlengwa noted that six provinces—KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga—account for approximately 78% of South Africa’s road fatalities.
The deputy minister emphasized that roadblocks will focus on removing unroadworthy vehicles and addressing dangerous driving behaviors, particularly the increasing use of mobile phones while driving for social media content creation on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
The Easter period typically sees increased traffic volumes across South Africa’s road network, making road safety campaigns particularly crucial during this time.