Pretoria: The Cabinet has called on the public to participate actively in making the upcoming festive season both joyous and safe for all. During a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni outlined several measures being put in place to enhance safety during this period.

According to South African Government News Agency, road traffic law enforcement officers, along with other law enforcement agencies and government departments, will intensify safety operations. These operations will include regular roadblocks, stop and searches, and the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects, all aimed at preventing and combating serious and violent crime throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Ntshavheni emphasized the importance of public cooperation in ensuring a safer festive season, advising individuals to always obey road rules and to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or texting while driving.

Additionally, the Cabinet urged parents and guardians t
o exercise heightened vigilance in supervising children, especially around pools, beaches, or other bodies of water. It was stressed that children should never be left unattended in these areas and should be equipped with the necessary safety equipment. There was also a caution against consuming alcohol when responsible for children in such environments, and a reminder to ensure swimming pools are secured when not in use.

The Minister highlighted that South Africa’s many public beaches are accessible to all citizens and limiting access to these areas amounts to restricting freedom of movement, a right protected under the Constitution.

Furthermore, the Cabinet advised citizens to remain alert during holidays or leisure activities, recommending the use of bankcards or electronic funds transfers instead of carrying large amounts of cash, which could attract criminal activity.

In conclusion, the Cabinet extended their wishes for a safe and prosperous festive season to all South Africans.