30 Mar 2016

 It was rather an unusual event recently when Al’Ryte Aerobics Club emphasised the importance of road safety by fitting donkey carts in the areas of Sefhophe, Tobane, and Dikgokong with reflectors to make them more visible.

Like in most rural areas, the use of donkey carts as a mode of transport  was more popular to the residents, however lack of safety measures often led to fatalities.

The club instructor, Mr Modibedi Batsalelwang, said during the event that in most instances, the donkey carts did not have reflectors to enhance visibility thereby contributing to road accidents especially at night.

“Our target was luminate at least 200 donkey carts and the initiative came about after realising that many people residing at the fields located along the Tobane-Selebi Phikwe and Sefhophe-Selebi Phikwe roads used donkey carts without reflectors as their mode of transport.,” he said.

He said their objective was achieved through fundraising activities that generated funds, which helped in purchasing of reflective tape strips which were eventually placed on the carts.

Mr Batsalelwang said there had been cases of accidents involving donkey carts which resulted in loss of lives. 

He thus emphasised the need for donkey cart drivers to be sensitised about the law regarding the use of donkey carts and penalties associated with deviating from the law.

MVA Fund Selebi Phikwe branch supervisor, Miss Gofaone Seane, acknowledged Al’Ryte Aerobics Club for their efforts of driving road safety. 

She said her organisation has always supported such initiatives aimed at reducing or preventing road accidents.

For her part Mrs Pontsho Keretetse from the District Health Management Team- Preventative Services section said they teamed up with Al’Ryte Aerobics Club in a bid to reduce or prevent accidents involving donkey carts.

She said safety among road users was one of their priority areas. ENDS