The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) strongly welcomes the Minister for Transport, Ms. Barbara Creecy’s timely call to amend the National Traffic Act to institute a total ban on drinking and driving. This is a badly needed intervention to reduce our unacceptably high levels of drinking and driving, and the completely avoidable resulting loss of life.
More than 14 000 drivers, passengers and pedestrians die in road accidents every year in South Africa. Over 40% of these are linked to the consumption of alcohol. This tragic loss of life robs families of loved ones and the economy of workers. Those who survive are often not able to work for long periods as they recover or in many cases, never work again. This plunges their dependents into absolute poverty with the loss of a breadwinner. It bleeds the fiscus of scarce resources with preventable healthcare costs.
COSATU wholeheartedly supported the recent National Traffic Amendment Bill at Nedlac and Parliament which had proposed to amend Section 65 and put in place a complete ban on drinking and driving. This progressive and sober proposed legislative amendment by the National Department of Transport was backed by overwhelming scientific evidence confirming that drinking has a serious impact on drivers and pedestrians’ ability to drive, cycle or walk safely.
It is unfortunate and to the 6th Parliament’s shame that it rejected the proposed and badly needed total ban on drinking and driving. We are heartened and encouraged by Minister Creecy’s bold leadership and call. COSATU will fully support it and petition Parliament to move with speed on such an Amendment Bill. We urge Minister Creecy to urgently table such an Amendment Bill at Parliament.
South Africa’s unhealthy relationship with alcohol is a major factor in our painful levels of road carnage. There is a place for responsible consumption of alcohol within society. Many jobs from our wine farms to our restaurants are linked to our alcohol industry. A common sense and progressive balance needs to be found. Introducing a total ban on drinking and driving, including pedestrians, is an urgent necessity.
Such a legislative amendment must be accompanied by the African National Congress led government ensuring that law enforcement, in particular our traffic and police officers, have the necessary resources to ensure full compliance with our entire traffic legislative framework.
South Africa has for far too long tolerated a blatant disregard to the rule of law and what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in a modern democracy. A total ban on drinking and driving will be a welcome step forward in this journey towards creating a better South Africa.
Issued by COSATU
Matthew Parks (COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator)
Mobile: 082 785 0687
Email: matthew@cosatu.org.za
