EMALAHLENI – Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has urged motorists and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution at railway level crossings during a safety awareness campaign at the Witbank Level Crossing on Thursday, 8 October 2026.
Held during Transport Month, the campaign comes amid continued incidents at the crossing following the opening of the nearby Jumbo Mall.
“We are gathered here for a simple but important reason: to save lives,” Creecy said. “Behind every statistic is a family that has lost a loved one… a tragedy that could have been prevented.”
According to Creecy, South Africa recorded 419 level crossing occurrences over the past five years, resulting in 225 injuries and 39 fatalities. Of approximately 7,865 level crossings nationwide, 377 are classified as high-risk.
The Witbank crossing recorded 47 occurrences over the past 18 years, resulting in 17 injuries and one fatality.
The development of Jumbo Mall has added to safety concerns, with 10 incidents recorded at the crossing between March and October this year.
“These realities make safety awareness not only important, but essential,” Creecy said. “Our message today is clear: Stop. Look. Listen. Obey railway signals. Nothing is more important than your life.”
Creecy urged motorists never to attempt to beat an approaching train or drive around closed boom gates. She also warned road users to remain alert and avoid distractions such as mobile phones.
Pedestrians were urged to use only designated level crossings, remove earphones and remain aware of their surroundings.
“Never assume a train can stop quickly,” Creecy said.
She also outlined steps towards long-term infrastructure solutions.
Creecy requested Transnet to investigate the feasibility of installing electronic warning signage at the Witbank crossing, with a technical report expected within a month. Similar feasibility studies will be conducted at nine other high-risk crossings within the next two months.
She acknowledged the joint efforts of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), Transnet Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and eMalahleni Local Municipality.
Meanwhile, the Mpumalanga Department of Transport is developing a revised structural design for the crossing to accommodate the Jumbo Mall development. The aim is to put the project out to tender before the end of the current financial year.
“As we commemorate Transport Month, let us all recommit ourselves to safer roads, safer railways and safer communities,” Creecy said. “Together, we can prevent accidents. Together, we can save lives.”
