SAB STEPS UP CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE DRIVING

By KOPANO MONAHENG

OCTOBER is National Transport Month in South Africa, providing an opportunity to reflect on the realities facing motorists and passengers in Mzansi. South African Breweries (SAB) is using the month to remind the public that efforts to tackle drinking and driving must continue.

Zoleka Lisa, vice-president of corporate affairs at SAB, said SAB has for many years encouraging motorists to make responsible decisions, especially when they know they will be behind the wheel.

She said the company had also been fighting gender-based violence (GBV) through its No Excuse campaign, using sport, community engagement and support services to challenge harmful attitudes towards women.

She said SAB had used its Carling Black Label brand to become one of the first beer brands to declare that there is no excuse for gender-based violence.

“Our insight was that South Africans were coming up with various excuses, whether it was culture, frustration or unemployment,” she said. “We said we needed to change that norm and make it clear that there is no excuse for GBV. We have been using football to communicate this message. Whenever there is a PSL match, you will see messaging that speaks directly to men and football supporters. We use the language of sport to encourage men to pause, reflect and consider how their actions affect women in their communities.

John Blood, Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs officer, AB InBev, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Deputy Minister of Transport; Richard Rivett-Carnac, CEO- SAB, Andres Penate, Global VP, Corporate Affairs

“We also have programmes in vulnerable communities where we identify respected men and mentors to lead conversations about GBV. Sometimes people need safe spaces where they can speak openly about their challenges.

“Through our partnership with LifeLine, we also have a WhatsApp support line that has been available for years. Our message is: ‘Before you lash out, reach out.’ People can contact the service and speak to someone who can help them work through their emotions. We must also ensure that the men who stand up to protect others are recognised and celebrated,” said Lisa.

She said education, law enforcement and innovation were key to making South African roads safer.

“Today is a testament to our efforts to amplify the importance of responsible driving and highlight the solutions needed to make our roads safer.

“October is Transport Month in South Africa. Through this event, which forms part of our Cheers to Responsibility Week, we have brought together international and African representatives, academics, law enforcement agencies and other partners to reflect on effective solutions to tackling drinking and driving.

“We must never tire of raising awareness and providing consumers and road users with information about what it means to behave responsibly on our roads.”

Spokesperson for Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Xolani Fihla, said they have arrested more than 26,000 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol between 2023 and the end of 2025, highlighting the ongoing challenge of drunk driving on the city’s roads.

He said driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speeding, and reckless and negligent driving remained among the major causes of road fatalities and serious injuries.

“Collaboration is key, and no man is an island,” he said. “For us to achieve fewer road fatalities, and ultimately reach a point where there are no road fatalities, we have to come together and combine our initiatives,” he said.

Fihla said the data showed that most arrests took place between 6pm and midnight.