Thembisa Shologu
Premier Panyaza Lesufi has urged young drivers to take accountability for their actions behind the wheel in a bid to foster responsible driving.
Addressing the launch of the pioneering “Wrong Side of the Road” campaign at Xavier Junction in Ormonde on Thursday, Lesufi extended his gratitude to Diageo South Africa, a renowned spirits company, for collaborating with the provincial government to provide opportunities for disadvantaged young individuals in the region.
The campaign is aimed at assisting youth with administrative fees for securing learner’s and driver’s licenses for underprivileged youth in Gauteng to enhance employability and promote responsible driving during the learning phase.
Premier Lesufi, despite his personal reservations about alcohol, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative and commended Diageo for its forward-thinking approach.
“I have got a negative relationship with alcohol but a positive relationship with Diageo for the investment that you have put in this programme.
“It is not just positive effort; it is responsible trading and responsible citizenship, but most importantly, it is creating opportunities for those that need opportunities. This is a real investment in the future of our province,” said Lesufi.
This landmark initiative is projected to benefit at least 40 000 youth. Out of these, 10 000 slots will be reserved for motorbike licenses, providing critical support to Project Last-Mile, led by the Department of Economic Development.
This broader project aims to license young individuals and offer training, mentorship, and connections to job opportunities.
“We need to pause and start educating our drivers to be responsible and correctly do things, but we have to balance it with economic opportunities that we need in our province.
“I did not know that so many South Africans do not have driver’s licenses, and I did not know so many South Africans go through so many difficulties just to access and be enrolled to have a driver’s license,” Lesufi said.
Lesufi also announced that in November, the Gauteng Provincial Government plans to introduce new number plates as part of its ongoing efforts to combat crime, especially on the roads, and prevent the duplication of number plates.
“The reason we are introducing new number plates in our province is that a motor vehicle is always at the centre of every criminal activity in our country.
“If we are committed to fighting crime in our province, there is no way that we can fight crime without focusing strictly on the registration regime of motor vehicles in our province, and therefore, we must overhaul the entire registration regime so that it is temper proof,” Premier Lesufi explained.
Diego Managing Director Gavin Pike acknowledged their social responsibility in educating drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.
“Through the ‘Wrong Side of the Road’ campaign, he added, we aim to deepen young drivers’ understanding of the effects of alcohol when behind the wheel.
“We are helping them to recognise that it is not a good combination. The second part of the programme today is the economic opportunities that come from acquiring 40 000 learners with access to driver’s licences and the opportunities that come with it, either through employment or entrepreneurial growth opportunities they might find. “
Campaign beneficiary Simphiwe Thunzi said she was excited about being given an opportunity and hoped it would open doors for her.
“When I received the SMS that I should come for my learner’s license, I was ecstatic. I am hopeful that I will get opportunities after all this. Also, it is great because if one does not pass, they are given another chance to write,” the excited Simphiwe said.
SOURCED FROM GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITE.
