Date: 2025-10-17 06:11:52

Junior Traffic Training Centre To Curb Child Fatalities On Roads

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

JUNIOR TRAFFIC TRAINING CENTRE TO CURB CHILD FATALITIES ON ROADS

As part of efforts to reduce child fatalities on South African roads, a new Junior Traffic Training Centre (JTTC) was launched at Entuthukweni Primary School in Lamontville yesterday, 16 October. 

The centre, a collaborative initiative between the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA), is designed to teach children practical road safety skills within a simulated road environment. 

The facility includes miniature intersections, road signs, and pedestrian crossings within the school grounds.

The launch comes amid alarming statistics, which state that on average, four children die on South African roads every day. 

Between 2018 and 2022, over 800 children aged from five to 14 years were killed annually, with pedestrians accounting for 66 percent of these fatalities.

ETA Acting Deputy Director Manoj Rampersad described the JTTC as a milestone in improving road safety education. 

“We know that road safety is not just a responsibility—it is a life skill,” said Rampersad. 

He added: “By embedding this knowledge in our learners today, we are shaping a generation that will be more aware, more responsible, and more empowered to make safe choices on our roads.”

According to the Department of Basic Education, more than 13.5 million children attend school in South Africa, with 67 percent walking to school daily—making them vulnerable to road accidents. 

RAF Head of Corporate Communication McIntosh Polela said the initiative aims to influence young minds early and promote lifelong road safety habits.

“Given the large number of school-aged children in the country, the potential for more accidents is significant,” said Polela.

Entuthukweni Primary School is located in one of the high-risk areas identified under the Comprehensive Road Safety Programme for Learners and Youth, launched in 2023. 

School Principal Makhosazana Ntelele said the training centre would be available to both Entuthukweni learners and nearby schools.

The programme forms part of a broader campaign to address road safety challenges among youth and reduce the high number of road crashes involving schoolchildren.

ENDS 

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.