FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAPE TOWN, 29 JANUARY 2024 – ChildSafe South Africa is deeply saddened by the recent tragedy involving the loss of six-year-old Arkash Okwan Mpayipheli outside Wespoort Primary in Mitchells Plain. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and the entire school community during this incredibly difficult time.

ChildSafe Spokesperson and Executive Director, Zaitoon Rabaney says “We continue to advocate for the 30 km/ h speed restriction around schools as well as environmental modifications that influence driver behaviour to adhere to slower speeds in school areas. Equipping our children and their families with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate roads safely is paramount. Through educational programs, campaigns, and targeted outreach efforts, we can foster a lasting positive impact on the safety culture within our city.”

ChildSafe emphasises that various factors contribute to the increased risk, such as inadequate road infrastructure, a lack of supervision, and the necessity for many children to walk as their primary means of transport. As such, it is imperative that interventions are implemented to make walking safer, ultimately reducing the vulnerability of pedestrians, especially children. Traffic calming measures and comprehensive road safety strategies has become an urgent necessity.

Last year, MEC Rob Quintas announced his approach to co-creating a comprehensive Traffic Calming Policy and Road Safety Strategy.  The recent incident resulting in the loss of life now underscores the urgency to fast-track traffic calming and other ancillary methods to address the pressing concerns of traffic-related incidents that pose a significant safety risk all community members, particularly the most vulnerable – children.

Furthermore, the report released by the Road Traffic Management Corporation stated that 12,436 South Africans died in road crashes, with 10.2% of the fatalities listed as children up to 14 years old. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for comprehensive road safety measures, particularly those focused on protecting our most vulnerable road users – children.

Media Contacts:

ChildSafe South Africa, Ms Zaitoon Rabaney, Executive Director,  Zaitoon@childsafe.org.za, 021 685 5208

About ChildSafe

ChildSafe is an injury prevention unit based at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital which aims to reduce and prevent injuries of children through Research, Education, and Advocacy.  We work with other non-profits, government, corporates and communities to achieve this. Our core focus though is the prevention of unintentional injuries that are usually regarded as accidents, such as, burns, falls, drowning, road traffic crashes, choking and poisoning. For more information, visit www.childsafe.org.za.

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