THEMBISILE HANI — Thembisile Hani Local Municipality (THLM) launched Transport Month with a joint law enforcement roadblock on the R573 and unveiled a new traffic law enforcement system on Friday, 16 October 2026, as part of preparations for the festive season.
The operation, led by Acting Executive Mayor Cllr Themba Ntuli, brought together the Mpumalanga Transport Inspectorate, Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services and South African Police Service (SAPS).
"Transport Month is not just a campaign, it is a call to action for all road users to prioritise safety. Our joint operation on the R573 demonstrates our commitment to ensure compliance, reduce accidents and save lives. We have also unveiled a new traffic law enforcement system that will strengthen our ability to monitor compliance and enforce the law," said Ntuli.
Transport Month is observed annually in October to promote safe, efficient, accessible and reliable transport. The campaign focuses on road safety, law enforcement, public transport compliance and responsible road use.
According to the municipality, the campaign also marks the beginning of its festive season road safety preparations, ahead of increased traffic volumes and long-distance travel in December.
"As we approach the festive season, we are intensifying our operations to ensure that our roads are safe. October is not only Transport Month but also the beginning of our festive season road safety plan. We want to make sure that taxis are roadworthy, drivers are compliant and pedestrians are safe before the peak period begins," Ntuli added.
The joint roadblock focused on enforcing traffic regulations, checking vehicle compliance and strengthening cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
During the operation, THLM traffic officers issued 59 fines for offences including speeding and failure to wear seatbelts.
The Mpumalanga Transport Inspectorate inspected 80 minibus taxis, discontinued two from operating and issued one charge.
Meanwhile, the RTMC issued two fines, while the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services arrested six people. SAPS also searched 500 vehicles during the operation.
"The 59 fines issued, the discontinuation of two unroadworthy taxis and the arrests made show that law enforcement is working. We will continue with these joint operations with RTMC, SAPS, Home Affairs and the Provincial Inspectorate throughout October and right into the festive season," Ntuli said.
The municipality said the newly unveiled traffic law enforcement system would strengthen its ability to monitor compliance, improve enforcement processes and support safer roads for motorists, passengers and pedestrians.
The system forms part of efforts to improve traffic law enforcement ahead of the festive season, when increased traffic volumes place additional pressure on the road network.
"Through this Transport Month launch on the R573 and our new enforcement system, we are sending a clear message that road safety is non-negotiable in Thembisile Hani. We call on motorists, taxi operators and pedestrians to work with us to make our roads safe during Transport Month, the festive season and beyond," Ntuli said.
THLM reaffirmed its commitment to continued joint operations and stronger traffic law enforcement to protect residents, commuters and other road users.
