The big weekend is here – get your act together on the road 

By Dumisa Dlamini

This weekend comes laden with a massive list of four social, economic, cultural, and historica activities that are taking place in the country. The traffic space will be heavy with vehicles, passengers, and pedestrians. In a situation like this, especially when caution is not followed by road users, traffic crashes and accidents would be prevalent and may be so serious that critical and fatal injuries may be recorded. It is important therefore that everyone who would be on the road safety space plays an ambassadorial role not only to keep safe but also to ensure the safety of other road users. 

REED DANCE CEREMONY & 55/55 CELEBRATION 

Hordes of maidens have been released from many chiefdoms around the country and have already been dispersed to go and cut the reed and bring same back to the royal residence. Whilst all pray for their safety to the various points, there is need also to consider their stay in the places where they shall cut the reed.So many people infiltrate that space such as vendors, members of the public, public transport vehicles and general traffic that may soar during the day. Motorists are requested to heed the heaviness of traffic and drive as slow as they possible can to save lives not only for the maidens but also for bystanders and the public trapped in that same vicinity. This calls for caution around Lobamba where the girls shall be to deliver the reed and to dance. They are also accommodated in neighboring places and shall be seen intermittently using the road network. Kill your speed and spare the lives of these young children and other road users. The maidens are guests of His Majesty King Mswati III joining other eMaswati and visitors in celebration of the country’s Fifty-fifth independence and Ingwenyama’s birthday coincidentally. This calls for more caution from pedestrians and motorists as the area shall not only be busy but also harbouring massive traffic for almost a week. 

TRADE FAIR & BIKERS’ RALLY

 The central part of the country will be equally busy with the trade fair back in the fold after a long lay-off and the rally which shall be at a stone’s throw in Sidvokodvo. Roads from the east north, south and west of the country shall be converging to these places and one looks at the YIth’ Abantu Highway (MR9) being the one to be affected the most. This is the same carriage that caters for the transportation of coal to the railway station in Sidvokodvo and traffic is not only heavy there but also slow. Sharing the road amicably and cautiously would be the best way to enjoy these festivities. That road MR (9) given the intense traffic realized on it is becoming too small and leaves very little space for pedestrians. Community members therefore are requested to keep as far away from the road as possible. If in the event they are caught walking or crossing the road in the dark, they must be identified I by wearing reflective clothing. Awareness also goes to livestock farmers to ensure that their cattle, dogs, and goats do not stray on the road as that is most likely to cause serious traffic accidents. 

TAKE AWAYS: 

1. Look out for maidens as they go about their royal assignment 

2. Don’t follow a hose and trailer truck too closely 

3. Manoeuvre around Manzini cautiously-the trade fair is ongoing

4. Be vigilant on the road and save lives for other road users 

5. Kill your speed and save lives of those you would share the road space with!