The Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga, took part in an a Cross-Border Operations and Road Safety (C-BRTA) operation as part of Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikungaat Oshoek Border Post on September 9.
During a speech, Chikunga said the activity also served to acknowledge the role of women in law enforcement and cross-border operations and forms part of the C-BRTA’s ongoing Cross-Alive Road Safety Campaign, intending to promote road safety along border posts linking South Africa with neighbouring countries.
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The operation consisted of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Mpumalanga Provincial Traffic Authorities, Emergency Services, Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Eswatini Road Transport Inspectorate and Mozambique Road Transport Inspectorate.
The minister encouraged women in law enforcement to always do their best and make sure that the roads and borders are safe. “I believe that women are doing a better job in the law enforcement industry. They must always be considered for a higher position because they know how to tackle crime and excel in everything they do. As government, I want to assure them that their good work does not go unnoticed; the fact that they are forced to work even during odd hours,” she said.
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She also condemned people who are breaking road rules, especially those who are transporting goods to neighbouring countries. “When they travel on our roads, they are overloading their trucks, they do not abide by our rules, but once they reach their countries, they respect their laws. I know that women can enforce our laws and make sure that people adhere to it. We cannot allow people to disrespect our laws in our country,” she said. She finally said women in law enforcement needed to be respected and given equal opportunities.
