SA authorities crack down on omalayitsha

South Africa's Department of Traffic and Community Safety has launched a major crackdown on overloaded vehicles, targeting small cross-border transporters popularly known as omalayitsha. These vehicles predominantly ferry goods for Zimbabweans and Malawians based in South Africa.

In a statement, department spokesperson Ms. Tidimalo Chuene highlighted the risks posed by overloaded vehicles, describing them as a significant threat to road safety.

"Overloaded vehicles are more likely to experience tyre bursts and brake failures, leading to serious accidents. Overloading also affects a vehicle's stability, handling, and stopping power, putting drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk," Ms. Chuene said.

Since the beginning of December, authorities have screened 1,449 vehicles and charged them for overloading. Offenders are directed to offload excess weight before continuing their journeys.

The crackdown primarily focuses on overloaded public transport vehicles and light delivery vehicles towing heavily loaded trailers, often used by omalayitsha. These vehicles are commonly found on the N1 route from Pienaarsrivier in the Waterberg District to Beitbridge Border Post in Musina.

To enforce regulations, the department operates seven traffic control centres strategically positioned across Limpopo Province. These include facilities in Mantsole, Zebediela, Groblersbrug, Polokwane, Musina, Mooketsi, and Rathoke.

Ms. Chuene emphasized the importance of these measures in preventing accidents and ensuring road safety, especially during the busy holiday season when cross-border travel and goods transportation peak.

The operation aims to not only improve compliance with road regulations but also protect lives by addressing one of the most significant dangers on South Africa's roads.