Mobility Department hands over Junior Traffic Training Centre to Khayelitsha Primary school

On 9 May 2023, the Western Cape Mobility Department (WCMD) partnered with the Western Cape Education Department and the City of Cape Town to hand over a new Junior Traffic Training Centre (JTTC) to the learners and teachers of Ntwasahlobo Primary School in Bangiso Drive, Khayelitsha. More than 1 000 learners who attend schools along Bangiso Drive are expected to benefit from the new facility.

A JTTC is a play road environment provided by WCMD Road Safety Management through which primary school children can learn how to use roads safely and responsibly. JTTCs are established at schools and in other places where traffic officials have identified a high level of road safety danger.

Bangiso Drive is one of the most hazardous locations for pedestrians in Khayelitsha. The kinds of hazards the local children experience on this road include:

• Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure (a lack of pedestrian crossings and a lack of sidewalks).
• Motorists endangering the safety of pedestrians by going off the road surface to avoid leaking drains.
• High volumes of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
• Public transport vehicles stopping next to the road.
• Learners having to walk in the roadway where informal traders are trading on the side of the road.

The training of learners at a JTTC focuses on basic road safety knowledge like crossing a road safely and facing oncoming traffic when walking. This training takes place in a JTTC where there are no real-life traffic hazards to contend with. Learning good road safety habits at an early age can provide a lifetime of benefits.

Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie said, "Each time we expand the Junior Traffic Training programme I am filled with hope for improving mobility. Equipping young children to lead the way as ambassadors for road safety is how we are going to really influence behaviour change and save lives on our roads. I thank our officials for their hard work and commitment to making a difference through collaboration.”

For more information contact Nontsikelelo Ngqabuko of WCMD Road Safety Management on 078 619 9959.

Media enquiries

Jandre Bakker Head of Communication                                                                                                                Email: jandre.bakker@westerncape.gov.za