Holiday security precautions urged as millions prepare to travel
With Easter and Passover travellers set to flood the country's roads in the coming days, authorities have issued a fresh appeal for South Africans to prioritise both home security and road safety during the holiday period.
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa called on residents on Thursday to take practical steps to protect their properties before heading off on holiday. She stressed that even brief absences require proper precautions.
"Ensure that all doors and windows are properly secured, and double-check all entry points before leaving home, even for short periods."
Mnukwa placed particular emphasis on the dangers of broadcasting holiday intentions online. She warned citizens against revealing their travel itineraries or destination details on social media platforms, noting that such posts could make unoccupied homes a target for criminals.
Road safety remains a critical concern
The Acting Director-General turned her attention to the persistent challenge of road fatalities, which typically spike during peak travel seasons. She implored motorists to respect traffic laws and exercise responsible behaviour behind the wheel throughout the long weekend.
"Motorists must obey the rules of the road, avoid speeding, reckless and drunk driving, and always wear seatbelts."
In addition to responsible driving, Mnukwa urged travellers to conduct thorough vehicle checks ahead of any journey. She recommended inspecting tyres, brakes, lights and fluid levels to confirm that vehicles are in a roadworthy condition before setting off.
The safety of young passengers was also highlighted as a key concern. Mnukwa reminded parents and caregivers to fit appropriate child restraints in their vehicles and to keep children under close supervision at all times during the holiday period.
"Do not publicise your travel plans; avoid posting holiday details or locations on social media."
The warning comes as millions of South Africans prepare to travel across the country for the Easter break, with authorities bracing for increased traffic volumes on major national routes. Officials have consistently identified the festive and Easter periods as the most dangerous times on the country's roads, making compliance with safety regulations all the more vital.
South Africa's Easter weekend consistently ranks among the deadliest periods on the nation's roads, making these warnings particularly urgent for the millions of families planning to travel. Rising crime rates during holiday seasons also threaten households left vacant, placing additional strain on already stretched policing resources. How effectively authorities enforce traffic regulations and whether communities heed these precautions will likely determine the human and economic toll of the long weekend ahead.
