Premier Panyaza Lesufi has called on young drivers to take responsibility for their actions while on the road, with the aim of promoting responsible driving.
Addressing the launch of the groundbreaking “Wrong Side of the Road” campaign at Xavier Junction in Ormonde on Thursday, Lesufi expressed his gratitude to Diageo South Africa, a well-known spirits company, for their partnership with the provincial government. Together, they aim to create opportunities for disadvantaged young people in the region.
The campaign seeks to assist young people in Gauteng who face financial challenges by covering administrative fees for obtaining learner’s and driver’s licenses. This initiative not only enhances their employability but also encourages responsible driving during the learning phase.
Despite his personal reservations about alcohol, Premier Lesufi expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative and commended Diageo for its forward-thinking approach.
“I have a negative relationship with alcohol, but I have a positive relationship with Diageo for the investment they’ve made in this program. It’s not just a positive effort; it’s responsible business and responsible citizenship. Most importantly, it’s about creating opportunities for those who need them. This is a significant investment in the future of our province,” Lesufi said.
This landmark initiative is expected to benefit at least 40,000 young people, with 10,000 slots reserved for motorbike licenses, providing essential support to Project Last-Mile, led by the Department of Economic Development. The broader project aims to license young individuals and provide them with training, mentorship, and connections to job opportunities.
“We need to pause and begin educating our drivers to act responsibly and follow the rules, but we also need to balance this with the economic opportunities that our province requires.
“I didn’t realize that so many South Africans lack driver’s licenses, and I didn’t know that so many South Africans face numerous difficulties just to access and enrol for a driver’s license,” Lesufi explained.
Lesufi also announced that in November, the Gauteng Provincial Government plans to introduce new number plates as part of its ongoing efforts to combat crime, especially on the roads, and prevent the duplication of number plates.
“The reason we are introducing new number plates in our province is that motor vehicles are often at the center of criminal activities in our country.
“If we are committed to fighting crime in our province, there is no way we can do it without focusing on the registration system of motor vehicles. Therefore, we must revamp the entire registration system to make it tamper-proof,” Premier Lesufi emphasized.
Gavin Pike, the Managing Director of Diageo, acknowledged their social responsibility in educating drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.
“Through the ‘Wrong Side of the Road’ campaign, we aim to deepen young drivers’ understanding of the effects of alcohol when they are behind the wheel.
“We are helping them recognize that it’s not a good combination. The second part of the program today is the economic opportunities that come with providing 40,000 learners with access to driver’s licenses, and the opportunities that follow, either through employment or entrepreneurial growth opportunities,” he stated.
Campaign beneficiary Simphiwe Thunzi expressed her excitement about the opportunity and hoped it would open doors for her.
“When I received the SMS notifying me to come for my learner’s license, I was overjoyed. I am hopeful that I will have opportunities after all this. Additionally, it’s great because if one doesn’t pass, they are given another chance to take the test,” the enthusiastic Simphiwe said.
By Thembisa Shologu
