Mobility and Agriculture Ministers express condolences after farmworker transport crash
The Provincial Minister of Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie and Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Ivan Meyer, extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the three people who were killed in a crash in the Philadelphia area on 12 December 2023 when the truck they were travelling in overturned.
The deceased was being transported in a truck along with 66 other farm workers. Twelve people were seriously injured and 55 sustained minor to moderate injuries (including the driver). All emergency services, including Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement, responded to the scene. The incident is under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Minister Meyer said, “I am calling on farmers and producers who are transporting Agri workers to ensure the safety of their vehicles and the transportation of their workers. Agri workers are the key to the Western Cape’s agricultural sector. I am also calling for a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the death and injury of farm workers. My sincere condolences go to the families and friends of the workers who have been affected by this tragic accident."
Minister Mackenzie said, “This is a sad day for our province, with a road crash claiming three lives prematurely. My deepest condolences go out to those who have lost their loved ones this morning, and to all those who have been injured and traumatised, I wish you a speedy recovery. It is devastating that despite all our significant efforts to save lives on our province’s roads, this incident happened. Everyone deserves safe and dignified transport, to work, to school, to the shops. Our Mobility Department is working urgently to address the challenges with transportation in the Western Cape, and we need all transport operators to do their part to ensure the safety of their passengers. It is unacceptable that men, women and children are still transported in unsafe conditions and drivers take needless risks."
Minister Mackenzie continued, “It has been almost two weeks since our Festive Season Road Safety Plan launch, and the results thus far are not good when it comes to crashes and fatalities. We need an almighty, collective effort to turn this situation around before the busiest travel period starts. There are close to 600 Provincial Traffic Officers deployed across the Western Cape during this period, with a comprehensive programme of operations targeting speeding, drunk driving, fatigue, seatbelt use and other critical road use actions that can make the difference between life and death. There will be serious consequences for those flouting the rules of the road and putting lives at risk.”
MEDIA QUERIES:
Rebecca Campbell
Spokesperson for Minister Ricardo Mackenzie
Tel: 076 783 2583
Email: Rebecca.Campbell@westerncape.gov.za
Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for Minister Ivan Meyer
Tel: 079 990 4231