By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MBABANE – Road safety efforts in Eswatini have yielded notable results, with road accidents decreasing by 21% compared to the previous year, according to the National Commissioner of Police, Masango.
Represented by Lusito Dlamini at the launch of the Road Safety Festive Season Campaign at the Mbabane Bus Rank, the Commissioner reported that while progress has been made, continued vigilance is essential as the busy holiday season begins.
The Commissioner noted that the festive season typically brings a spike in vehicle traffic as citizens travel for vacations and celebrations. Unfortunately, this period also sees a rise in accidents, injuries, and fatalities. However, recent statistics show a 5% reduction in road fatalities and a substantial drop in overall accidents.
Data provided by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) revealed that from January to November 2023, the country recorded 6,239 crashes, with 427 major accidents leading to 166 fatalities. In the same period in 2024, the numbers decreased to 5,940 crashes, with 413 serious accidents resulting in 161 deaths.
The reduction marks a 21% decrease in total crashes and a 5% decline in fatalities, signalling progress towards the REPS’s goal of halving road deaths by 2030, in alignment with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety.
One of the most encouraging developments is the reduction in pedestrian fatalities, which fell from 96 deaths in 2023 to 61 in 2024. Despite this progress, the police emphasized that pedestrians and passengers remain the most vulnerable groups, particularly during high-risk times such as Fridays and Saturdays between 14:00 and 20:00.
“Courtesy, patience, and attentiveness cost nothing but can save lives,” Dlamini reminded drivers, urging them to remain vigilant during peak hours and avoid dangerous driving behaviors.
Collective Action for Road Safety
The campaign highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in reducing road accidents. Dlamini called on all road users to play their part by adhering to speed limits, planning trips in advance, and avoiding distractions or impaired driving.
Mbabane Mayor Thulani Mkhonto, also addressing the launch, underscored the importance of community efforts in improving road safety. He pointed to the city’s Road Safety Strategy, which includes infrastructure improvements such as pedestrian walkways, traffic circles, and audible signals for the visually impaired.
“This festive season, let us prioritize safety and take responsibility for each other on the road. Together, we can create safer roads for residents and visitors alike,” said Mkhonto.
Echoing these sentiments, Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) CEO Vusi Dlamini, represented by Chunkie Dlamini, highlighted road safety as a global concern. Referring to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, which report 1.35 million annual deaths worldwide due to road accidents, Dlamini stressed the need for caution during the festive season.
“Eswatini remains a top holiday destination, and ensuring safe travel is essential for promoting tourism and welcoming visitors,” he said.
As the REPS continues to enforce traffic laws and promote road safety awareness, Commissioner Masango urged citizens to reflect on their role in fostering a culture of safe driving. The campaign serves as a timely reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation from all sectors of society.
With a 21% reduction in accidents already achieved, stakeholders are hopeful that the ongoing campaigns and enforcement efforts will lead to even greater improvements, ensuring a safer festive season for all Emaswati and visitors.