The bus operating company, Putco has promised a safer Easter weekend after taking more than 500 of their drivers through training and preparation for the weekend pilgrimage to Moria.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
It is all systems go for the 2026 Easter weekend, with various stakeholders engaging in a marathon of safety campaigns. On Monday, over 200 Putco bus drivers were officially given their marching orders by members of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and other stakeholders.
This year, Putco has mobilised more than 550 buses in anticipation of an influx of roughly 35,000 religious tourists and other travelers to the Limpopo province for the annual religious observance.
Putco has taken more than 200 of their drivers through their paces in preparation for the Easter weekend.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla praised the bus operator for its commitment to road safety, particularly highlighting that Putco reported no road fatalities during last year's Easter weekend.
"I am proud that Putco was not involved in road fatalities during last year's Easter weekend. The Easter season is a very busy period on our roads. As JMPD, we are sending a message to the drivers who are going to be on the road to drive safely and ensure the safety of their passengers as they travel to various destinations," said Fihla.
On behalf of Putco, chief operations manager Sandile Ntombela reiterated the company’s dedication to safety, noting that 500 drivers will be working during this busy period, with 200 of them originating from Gauteng.
"We have 550 buses and drivers, who were briefed and informed of the operations as early as February. We needed to make sure that they are prepared for the work that lies ahead, as we did not want to compromise their safety and the safety of our passengers. Overall, we have prepared well for the Easter holidays," stated Ntombela.
This robust safety agenda is further amplified by recent statements from Dr Michale Masiapato, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), who signalled readiness to ensure smooth movement at South Africa's 71 ports of entry during the Easter period.
Motorists have been urged to purchase their driver's and vehicle license discs before the Easter rush. Thousands of both vehicle and driver's licenses are set to expire by the end of March.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
With the deployment of the latest technology, including drone technology and other integrated suites of advanced surveillance, mobility, and protective technologies, Masiapato said BMA is ready to tackle illegal and unauthorised entry across the country's ports of entry this weekend.
“This plan reflects the Authority’s commitment to the robust implementation of border law enforcement functions while enabling legitimate travel, tourism, and trade during one of the busiest periods on the country’s national calendar,” the Commissioner said on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the N3 Toll Concession has reported unusually high traffic, with around 1,400 vehicles per hour travelling southbound over the previous weekend alone. Chief Operating Officer of the N3TC, Thania Dhoogra, indicated that they anticipate an even busier scenario for the upcoming Easter weekend, stating, "Our predictions thus far indicate that traffic volumes are likely to remain steady throughout the week, with busy traffic conditions expected in a southbound direction on Thursday, 2 April, and Friday, 3 April 2026."
Last Thursday, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, led the province's Easter Road Safety Activation along the R101 in Hammanskraal, City of Tshwane. The activation reinforced the provincial government's commitment to promoting responsible road user behaviour, encouraging compliance, and ensuring safer journeys for all road users during the busy Easter period.
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za