Pretoria: Cabinet has called on citizens to prioritise road safety and act responsibly as traffic volumes increase ahead of the Easter long weekend. Speaking during a post Cabinet briefing on Thursday in Pretoria, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the period was marked by increased travel as many people visit family, friends and religious gatherings.

According to South African Government News Agency, Cabinet calls on everyone to act responsibly when driving, ensure that vehicles are roadworthy before driving, and everyone in the car, including children, must fasten their seat belts. Cabinet also extended well wishes to all South Africans and visitors for a safe and joyous Easter, while stressing that individual responsibility remains key to ensuring a smooth and incident-free holiday period.

Cabinet reassured both citizens and visitors that safety remains a priority, with heightened deployment of law enforcement agencies during the Easter period. Ntshavheni said the country continues to make steady progress in the fight against crime, with declining statistics recorded over time. She added that additional security has been deployed at popular tourist attractions.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) is on high alert to facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods across the country’s 71 ports of entry. Cabinet said measures are in place to ensure efficient and secure border operations, while preventing illegal crossings through strengthened monitoring systems supported by security forces.

Cabinet has also appealed to farmers and transporters to exercise caution in the movement of livestock to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease. The Minister warned that the irresponsible movement of animals could worsen the outbreak, impacting the agricultural sector and food security.