ChildSafe South Africa proudly presented its latest operational implementation science insights at the 43rd Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), held from 7–10 July 2025 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria.
The paper, titled Community-centred and data-driven interventions for school safety: The Walking Safely to School Project, highlights a pioneering approach to improving pedestrian safety for learners in high-risk school zones. Drawing on the Safe System Approach and global best practices, the project combines stakeholder engagement, learner-led research, and infrastructure assessments using the iRAP Star Rating for Schools (SR4S) tool. Implemented across ten schools in Mamelodi, Gauteng, the initiative demonstrates how targeted upgrades—such as raised crossings, improved signage, and speed limit reductions—can transform hazardous school environments into safe zones.
The paper also explores the legal and policy barriers to implementing 30 km/h speed limits in South African school zones, reinforcing ChildSafe’s advocacy for legislative reform. With support from the FIA Foundation, the City of Tshwane, and other partners, the project offers a scalable model for evidence-based road safety interventions.
Download the full paper here
Suggested citation: ChildSafe South Africa. (2025). Community-centred and data-driven interventions for school safety: The Walking Safely to School Project. Presented at the 43rd Southern African Transport Conference, Pretoria, South Africa.