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Putting safety first this Transport month

Oct 03, 2025 Transport month, Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), Ipeleng Mabusela, Department of Transport,


Putting safety first this Transport month

  

South Africa observes Transport month every October, a time to reflect on how transport underpins our economy and touches the lives of every citizen. For the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), the focus this year is firmly on safety – both on the roads and in the workshops where vehicles are kept roadworthy.

 

Earlier this year the RMI partnered with the Department of Transport to reinforce the urgent need for all South Africans to take personal accountability in improving road safety. The initiative supported the Department’s 2025 campaign, “It begins with me”, highlighting the crucial role that regular vehicle testing, responsible driving behaviour, and strong public-private collaboration play in reducing fatalities.

 

Despite such initiatives, crash statistics remain deeply concerning. Thousands of lives are lost every year due to preventable accidents, often linked to un-roadworthy vehicles, distracted driving, or poor maintenance. According to the RMI, safety is not only about driver behaviour, but also about ensuring vehicles are in the best possible condition before they take to the road.

 

“Safety has to be non-negotiable,” says Ipeleng Mabusela, CEO of the RMI. “A small investment in maintenance and safety checks can prevent a catastrophic accident. Transport Month gives us an important opportunity to remind motorists and businesses alike that every vehicle on our roads carries people, families, and livelihoods – and we all have a responsibility to ensure those vehicles are safe.”

 

Mabusela stresses the urgent need for stricter and more regular vehicle testing. Currently, only 21.46% of South Africa’s 13.3 million-strong vehicle parc is legally required to undergo testing. “In the absence of more comprehensive regulation, we support the Government’s proactive call for all South Africans to be more conscientious about vehicle safety and maintenance,” he says.

 

The importance of maintaining a safe and roadworthy fleet cannot be overstated. “While accidents are typically attributed to driver behaviour or environmental conditions such as road and weather, vehicle-related factors like faulty brakes, worn tyres, poor suspension or ineffective wipers are often overlooked,” Mabusela adds. “By raising awareness around the condition of vehicles, we can positively influence driver behaviour and foster a stronger culture of compliance and safety on our roads.”

 

Tyres remain the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road. Worn tread, incorrect pressure or mismatched tyres significantly increase the risk of accidents, especially in wet conditions. Equally, faulty brakes are a silent hazard that can lead to devastating outcomes. RMI TEPA (Tyre Equipment Parts Association) accredited fitment centres are equipped to test and replace these critical components, giving motorists peace of mind.

 

As an organisation concerned about road safety, the RMI also runs regular free safety checks for motorists, particularly ahead of high travel periods. “This year we ran a campaign just before Easter through our VTA testing stations. It was very concerning to see that, despite widespread communication and the clear benefit of free vehicle assessments, participation was disappointingly low. This raises serious concerns about ongoing vehicle neglect and its consequences,” says Mabusela.

 

Dozens of accredited testing stations were mobilised across major provinces, offering motorists complimentary checks on critical safety components such as brakes, tyres, suspension, and lights. However, turnout at most facilities fell far below projections. Even more worrying, of the 101 free safety inspections carried out, there was a disturbing failure rate of 63.02%.

 

“Safety is not a once-off activity but a culture of care and responsibility. With an estimated 13 000 deaths annually on our roads, motorists are encouraged to schedule regular inspections with RMI MIWA (Motor Industry Workshop Association) accredited workshops, which are committed to high standards of service, training and ethics – and to participate in any free vehicle testing campaigns,” he says. “Every accident avoided is a life saved, a family spared, and an economy protected,” concludes Mabusela. “This Transport Month, let’s put safety first.”

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