By Mapaballo Borotho

- Motorists have been urged to exercise caution this weekend as increased travel is expected ahead of schools reopening and the Premier’s Cup tournament in Mpumalanga.
- Authorities have warned public transport operators against overloading and called on drivers to prioritise road safety.
- Traffic law enforcement officers will be deployed on major routes to monitor compliance and reduce road fatalities.
Motorists have been urged to remain patient and cautious on the roads this weekend as thousands of people are expected to travel across provinces ahead of schools reopening next week.
The warning comes as learners return to school on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, while the much-anticipated Premier’s Cup tournament in KaNyamazane, Mpumalanga, is also expected to increase movement in the province.
Public transport operators have been urged to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, comply with safety regulations, and do not overload passengers.
Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie urged motorists to prioritise safety and play their part in reducing road fatalities.
“Let us all prioritise safety this weekend and beyond. Let us all play our part to preserve lives by travelling safely. Do not drive when you are tired. Rather take a break every two hours or every 200 km of driving,” said Macie.
The MEC also called on traffic law enforcement officers to act against motorists who violate road laws, saying offenders must be held accountable.
Traffic officials are expected to maintain a visible presence on major routes, particularly those that have recorded high numbers of fatalities during previous holiday periods and experience heavy traffic volumes.
The routes include the N2, N3, N4, N11, N12, N17, R23, R38, R573 and R36, among others.
“We continue to advocate for harsher sentences for reckless driving behaviour. Punishing offenders will prevent needless loss of life and make our roads safer,” Macie added.



