Addressing Emergency Service's personnel gathered at the Shell Ultra City Pitstop in Bloemfontein on Friday, Tsiu said she is confident that Emergency Services in the province are fully prepared for this festive season. She was speaking at the annual road safety launch where the department was celebrating its public-private sector partnership with Rosepark Hospital and Shell Ultra City Pitstop as they marked 20 years since they have been presenting the road safety campaign to holiday goers and all road users.

"During this period, government EMS personnel and other emergency services from the private sector will be on duty 24/7 to ensure the safety and health of our residents, and I therefore salute our men and women in uniform for their hard work," said Tsiu.

She highlighted that the men and women in uniform face tremendous challenges, coupled with those posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tsiu further encouraged all attendees to adhere to all Covid-19 regulations throughout the festive season as the number of positive cases is increasing.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize earlier this week confirmed the country has officially entered the second wave of the virus with the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng being the key drivers of the virus. He appealed to all South Africans to enjoy the festive season with restraint.

The Road Traffic Management Cooperation's Mpho Mokhantso has meanwhile reiterated that road safety is everybody's responsibility stating that more than 14 000 people die on SA roads every year.

Mokhantso, standing alongside Tsiu, Head of the Department David Motaung, and owner of Shell Ultra City Pitstop Herman Steyn, encouraged road users to observe traffic laws and to wear seatbelts at all times.

OFM News