As South Africa heads into one of its busiest travel periods, AWARE.org has launched #Shiy’imoto, a national road safety initiative urging motorists to “leave the car behind” when consuming alcohol. The campaign calls for an immediate shift in driver behaviour to help reduce avoidable crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
The initiative follows concerning national trends, including a rise in road deaths and persistently high levels of alcohol-related incidents on the country’s roads. More than 3,840 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence during the last festive period, and the majority of serious crashes continue to involve speeding, fatigue, or alcohol use.
“These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent shattered families and lives changed forever,” says Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org. “If this resonates even slightly with your sense of humanity, don’t get behind the wheel after drinking. Parking your car can save lives. It really is that simple.”
AWARE.org’s approach taps into South Africa’s deep cultural connection to cars. For many people, a vehicle represents pride, independence, and hard-earned achievement, while remaining an essential part of daily life, especially where public transport options are limited.
“We know how quickly an afternoon braai can turn festive and stretch late into the night,” Thulo adds. “We’re not here to judge. We’re here to remind everyone that a good time should never put lives at risk. If you’ve had a drink, park the car and take an e-hailing ride, stay the night, or plan ahead by appointing a sober driver.”
Supporting the initiative, Simon Zwane, Chief Communication Officer at the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), highlights the urgency of increased vigilance on the roads.
“During the 2024/25 festive season, South Africa reported 1,589 fatalities across 1,286 fatal crashes between 1 December 2024 and 11 January 11 2025, many involving the misuse of alcohol. Initiatives like #Shiy’imoto are important because they encourage drivers to make safer choices before they start their journeys,” says Zwane.
Zwane adds that the RTMC will intensify on-road operations during the peak travel period.
“Officers will be deployed to high-risk routes and accident hotspots. They will conduct roadblocks, speed checks, breathalyser, and Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Testing (eBAT). We are also running a nationwide public-awareness campaign and working with community partners to promote safer road use.
“We acknowledge that enforcement alone is not enough. Sustainable change depends on every road user making responsible decisions. If you drink, do not drive. Plan ahead, use e-hailing services, or appoint a sober driver. These choices save lives.”
Building on the RTMC’s call for shared responsibility, Thulo explains that #Shiy’imoto is focused on empowering better behaviour rather than placing blame. “We want South Africans to enjoy themselves and still arrive home safely. Responsible choices don’t restrict your fun; they protect your future. We continue to reinforce these important truths at this peak travel and road-use time, and right through the year.”
AWARE.org is calling on all South Africans to take simple steps to keep themselves and others safe:
- Plan your transport before going out
- Use e-hailing services
- Appoint a trusted sober driver
- Look out for friends and family who may be at risk
- Never mix alcohol with long-distance or any other driving
As the country celebrates, the organisation urges the public to help reduce the toll on South Africa’s roads and prevent 2025/6 from repeating the tragedies of previous years.
“The greatest reward this December isn’t the celebration,” it’s getting home safely,” Thulo concludes.
South Africa enters one of its busiest travel seasons with rising concern over alcohol-related crashes. AWARE.org’s new #Shiy’imoto campaign urges motorists to “leave the car behind” when drinking — a simple behavioural shift that could save thousands of lives.
