It Start With You Campaign
Ahead of the holiday rush, the Gauteng government has rolled out its festive-season road safety campaign under the slogan “E Thoma Ka Wena! It Starts With You.” The initiative urges motorists and pedestrians to act responsibly as travel increases, with a special focus on protecting pedestrians and stepping up law enforcement.
As South Africa heads into its busy festive season, the Gauteng Provincial Government has launched its road-safety campaign under the banner “E Thoma Ka Wena! It Starts With You.” The drive was officially unveiled on 4 December, with the aim of encouraging safer behaviour from every road user as holiday travel surges.
Speaking at the launch, MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale‑Tlabela stressed the critical importance of pedestrian safety. More than half of road-fatality victims in Gauteng are pedestrians. She warned that increased vehicle movement during the holidays inevitably heightens risk on the roads.
Diale-Tlabela sent a clear message to law-breakers: enforcement agencies will be working together to ensure compliance. “We will arrest you,” she said, emphasising that law enforcement will be intensified over the festive period.
The campaign does not target only drivers. It calls on all road users, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians, to be mindful and make responsible choices. Pedestrians are urged to avoid risky behaviour such as jaywalking or walking while under the influence, and to ensure they are visible on the roads especially at night. Drivers are reminded to obey speed limits, avoid drunk or fatigued driving, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.
Gauteng’s 5.5 million registered vehicles reflect the scale of mobility in the province, making the push for collective responsibility all the more urgent.
As festive travel picks up, authorities hope the new campaign will save lives by encouraging respect, caution, and discipline on the roads. Success will depend on each person remembering — it starts with you.
