Easter road safety: Western Cape’s urgent crackdown on pedestrian deaths

Premier Winde and Minister Sileku engage with a motorist in Khayelitsha. More than half of the 238 people killed on Western Cape roads so far this year were pedestrians, placing the province’s most vulnerable road users at the centre of a persistent road safety concern ahead of the busy Easter travel period. Of the fatalities recorded between 1 January and 15 March, 134 were pedestrians, 40 passengers and 39 drivers.

While this marks a 1.25% decrease compared to the same period last year, officials say the figures remain concerning. Longer-term trends have consistently shown pedestrians accounting for the majority of road deaths in Cape Town, underscoring an ongoing safety concern. The risk is typically higher during peak travel periods, with increased traffic volumes across the province.

Similar patterns were observed during the festive season, when pedestrians again made up the largest share of road fatalities. Against the backdrop, the Western Cape Government has launched its 2026 Easter road safety plan, aimed at reducing crashes and saving lives through intensified enforcement and targeted interventions. Western Cape Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku said the focus was on ensuring that all road users reach their destinations safely.

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“Easter is a time for joy and making memories, and that starts with getting there safely. Our mission is simple: every resident and visitor must reach their destination safely. “This Easter, let’s change the story on our roads and look out for one another.

We are committed to halving road deaths and injuries, but we cannot do it alone. We need every road user to play their part. Save a life, maybe your own.

Because the best stories are the ones you live to tell,” said Sileku. Premier Alan Winde urged road users to act responsibly. “Road users have an obligation to respect the rules of the road, not only over the long Easter weekend, but throughout the year. Let us all arrive safely at our destinations, let us all show respect for each other on our roads,” he said.

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