Preliminary road safety data show that Cape Town recorded one of the highest numbers of pedestrian fatalities during the 2025/26 festive season.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Thursday alongside Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said the festive season recorded the lowest number of crashes in five years, while fatalities remained similar to last year’s figures.
The report, covering the period from 1 December to 11 January, indicates a slight reduction in crashes and deaths nationwide. Five provinces reported fewer fatalities, led by the Eastern Cape. However, the Western Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Northern Cape recorded increases.
“Many crashes occurred over weekends, particularly in the evenings and around midnight, and involved pedestrians, single-vehicle overturns, head-on collisions, and hit-and-run incidents,” Creecy said.
Small cars were involved in the majority of crashes, followed by light delivery vehicles, while minibus taxis and trucks accounted for fewer incidents. Law enforcement conducted thousands of roadblocks, issued fines, and arrested offenders for speeding, drunk driving, and attempted bribery.
“The festive season shows that crashes often increase after travellers reach their destinations, not only on peak travel days,” Creecy said.
Photo: X/@Dotransport
