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The school calendar year ends on today 12 December 2025 and high vehicle movement between provinces and SADC countries is expected to start across the country. Many will also be attending wedding celebrations, rite of passage events (Imigidi - Nemicimbhi) and end-of-year staff functions. Festive shopping will further boost traffic, and some will take vacation leave on Monday ahead of the public holiday on Tuesday, creating a de-facto long weekend.
A gradual increase in traffic is expected this weekend with a peak in traffic volumes expected over the weekend of 19 - 21 December and again on Tuesday 23 December and Wednesday 24 December.
Higher volumes are also expected from Friday, December 26, leading up to year-end celebrations and festivities on Wednesday, December 31. The majority of holidaymakers are likely to commence their return journeys in January with a peak in traffic volumes expected on the between January 2 and 4 January 2026.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) appeals to motorists to check the weather forecast before embarking on their journeys. The South African Weather Services has predicted thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across many parts of the country. Motorists should avoid driving when the rain affects visibility and reduce speed. Motorists are further advised to plan their journeys to take place outside peak periods to avoid congestion, which could lead to driver frustration and impatience.
Traffic-Law Enforcement will be intensified this weekend during all peak travel periods to deal with bad driver behaviour, overloading and vehicle roadworthiness. Drunk driving operations will also be undertaken on all major routes and in residential areas to reduce crashes and fatalities.
Road safety education and awareness campaigns will be intensified at risk communities; rest stops and filling stations along the highways to reduce the high number of pedestrian fatalities. Motorists are warned that heavy fines will be imposed on those driving without registration plates and will be prevented from continuing with their journeys until the number plates are properly affixed.
All road users are called upon to do their part to reduce avoidable crashes and fatalities over the festive period. Alcohol and cell phone usage must be avoided when driving. Speed regulations must be always respected. All passengers must wear seatbelt and children be place on appropriate child restraints. Pedestrians must avoid using the roads under the influence of alcohol, they must use pedestrian bridges to
cross the roads and wear bright clothes when walking at night.
#ItStartsWithMe #SaferRoadsForAll #RoadSafety