Western Cape Intensifies Pedestrian Safety Drive Amid Alarming July Fatalities

The Western Cape government has launched a multifaceted response to address a surge in road fatalities, particularly among pedestrians, following a grim spike in July 2025. Between 1 and 22 July alone, 72 road-related deaths were recorded across the province—with pedestrians tragically comprising the majority of these casualties. The Western Cape Mobility Department, in collaboration with municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and Joint Traffic Control Centres (JTCCs), is now ramping up interventions to prevent further loss of life.

Alarming Trend: Pedestrians Most at Risk

Recent provincial data has shown that pedestrians remain the most vulnerable road users in the Western Cape. A significant number of pedestrian deaths have occurred in urban hotspots such as:

• Khayelitsha

• Milnerton

• Paarl

• Kuilsriver

Additionally, the R300 corridor, a busy provincial highway, has recorded multiple pedestrian fatalities. Beyond these identified zones, more than 20 other pedestrian deaths were reported in various metro suburbs and smaller towns—underlining the widespread nature of the crisis.

“This wide distribution highlights that no community is immune and underscores the need for a province-wide safety response,” said the Mobility Department in a recent statement.

Key Risk Factors and Deadly Patterns

A deeper analysis of the incidents points to recurring risk factors contributing to pedestrian deaths:

• Nighttime accidents on poorly lit roads and highways

• Jaywalking or unsafe pedestrian behaviour

• Alcohol consumption by both drivers and pedestrians

• Speeding and reckless driving

• Failure to use designated pedestrian infrastructure

These patterns have been observed consistently in both densely populated urban areas and more rural settings.

Proactive Measures and Enforcement

In response, the Mobility Department has significantly intensified its road safety operations. From 1 to 22 July 2025, the province conducted:

• 442 vehicle checkpoint operations

• 219 drunk driving enforcement campaigns

• 84 public transport compliance checks

• Targeted enforcement for seatbelt compliance, vehicle fitness, and transport of learners and farm workers

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku expressed his deep concern over the fatalities and called for a shared sense of accountability among road users.

“The loss of pedestrian lives is not just a statistic; it represents families torn apart and communities left in mourning,” Sileku said. “We urge both motorists and pedestrians to take responsibility.”

Community Outreach and Road Safety Ambassadors

Beyond enforcement, the province is deploying road safety ambassadors in identified high-risk zones to carry out community education efforts. These ambassadors are tasked with:

• Teaching residents about safe pedestrian practices

• Promoting visibility and use of pedestrian crossings

• Supporting awareness initiatives in schools and neighbourhoods

These efforts are reinforced by partnerships with NGOs, neighbourhood watches, schools, and community forums to build a grassroots-level response to the growing crisis.

Infrastructure Investment and Long-Term Strategy

Looking ahead, the department has announced plans to roll out new pedestrian safety infrastructure in targeted danger zones. These interventions will include:

• Improved street lighting

• Additional pedestrian crossings

• Traffic calming measures in high-footfall areas

These developments are part of the broader Western Cape Road Safety Strategy, which aims to reduce road fatalities by improving infrastructure, enhancing enforcement, and fostering behavioural change among road users.

A Call for Unity and Vigilance

The Mobility Department continues to call on all citizens to play their part. Pedestrians are urged to:

• Wear high-visibility clothing, especially at night

• Avoid walking under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Use designated pedestrian crossings and bridges where available

Motorists, meanwhile, are reminded to:

• Slow down, particularly in residential and pedestrian-heavy zones

• Stay alert for foot traffic, especially during peak evening hours

• Obey traffic signals and pedestrian rights-of-way

“Road safety is a collective effort. By working together, as government, drivers, and pedestrians, we can turn the tide on these preventable deaths,” the department concluded.

With the province seeing a troubling spike in fatalities in just three weeks of July, the urgency for impactful and sustained interventions has never been greater.