SMVAF a Game Changer: in Road Safety, Saving Lives, Securing Futures

When 12-year-old Owami Dlamini walks to school now, her mother no longer worries about the speeding vehicles that once turned their community’s roads into danger zones. Traffic safety measures includ- ing reflective vests and scholar patrols introduced through the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) have made it safer for children like Owami to navigate their journeys. Through partner- ships with stakeholders such as the Road Safety Council of Eswatini, Royal Eswatini Police Service and EPR, more awareness is created among scholars, ordinary pedestrians and motorists alike regarding how best to share our roads.

These efforts have not only reduced accidents but also restored peace of mind for countless families across Eswatini. For SMVAF CEO David Myeni, this is what the organisation’s mission is all about. “The cost of lives lost and injuries sustained in road crashes and traffic accidents has deep and lasting impacts on families, communities and the entire country. At SMVAF we are working tirelessly, in collaboration with our partners, to turn tragedy into transforma- tion,” he says. S M V A F has emerged as the standard bearer in road safety, not just through compensation for victims but through its proactive investment in road crash prevention.

At the heart of its work is the Accident Prevention and Education Department, a division driving change across communities, schools, and highways. One of SMVAF’s flagship initiatives is its comprehensive public education programme, designed to tackle reckless driving and promote safer road use behaviours. From school visits that reached over 6,000 pupils to the festive season campaigns that achieved zero road fatalities in 2023, the SMVAF ensures road safety awareness is woven into everyday life. Key partnerships with the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) amplify these efforts, with joint roadblocks, vehicle inspections, and educational outreach. These campaigns are vital during high-risk periods like holidays, when traffic violations often spike. “Through initiatives like the festive season campaigns and collaborations with law enforce- ment, we are seeing a significant shift in road user behaviour.

These joint efforts are creating safer spaces for everyone,” Myeni emphasised. In rural areas, SMVAF has pioneered the livestock (mainly cattle) management programme to deal with road crashes caused by stray animals. Traffic observers work with local communi- ties to patrol roads, support- ed by a quarterly stipend and smartphones for real-time hazard reporting. This initiative has saved lives and prevented fatalities from livestock-related accidents, with only a handful reported for over five years. Dumisa Dlamini, Accident Prevention Manager at SMVAF, praised their commitment. “Your tireless work in removing livestock from roadways is vital to our mission of reducing road accidents,” Dlamini said. SMVAF also partners with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to address infrastructural issues like roadside clearing. These efforts empower local communities to maintain safer roads while driving economic participation. This initiative has shown measurable success, with no fatalities caused by stray animals during the day in over three years, albeit in the project areas such as Mafutseni to Matsetsa, Mbadlane to Hlane, Msahweni to Madlangempisi and lastly, Mkhondvo to Hlatsi.

SMVAF also funds a quarterly stipend for community volunteers and is in the verge of equiping traffic observers with smartphones to report hazards in real time. For pedestrians and joggers, who make up a significant portion of road accident victims, SMVAF launched the ‘Reflect on the Run’ campaign, encouraging the use of reflective gear during early morning and evening hours. This programme targets athletic clubs and casual joggers, making them more visible to drivers. Recognising that many accidents occur during work commutes, SMVAF partners with companies to integrate road safety into occupational health policies. These collaborations ensure employees driving company vehicles are better trained and held accountable for safe driving. The SMVAF also works with large fleet operators like the Eswatini Water Services Corporation and Eswatini Electricity Company providers to implement safety checks and ensure compliance with traffic laws. “Occupational road safety is critical for reducing work-related traffic accidents. By engaging employers, we are embedding road safety into daily practices,” Innocent Dlamini, the Chief Opera- tions Officer said. Children are among the most vulnerable road users.

To protect them, SMVAF introduced scholar patrols in schools near high-risk roads. Teachers and students receive training in traffic safety, and reflective gear is distributed to ensure visibility. For parents like Owami’s mother, these measures have brought much-needed security and trust in their children’s safety. “The safety of our children on the roads is non-negotiable. Our school-based programmes aim to protect young lives and instil lifelong road safety habits,” Myeni highlighted. SMVAF’s work is backed by significant financial and strategic investment. With an annual budget of E3.4 million for road safety programmes, the Fund has stretched every cent to deliver meaningful results. From road audits identify- ing hazardous infrastructure to community-led roadside clearing projects, these investments are a testament to SMVAF’s commitment to saving lives. One example of their financial impact is the seamless integration of post-crash care through strategic partnerships with healthcare facilities. Early intervention, facilitated by agreements with hospitals, ensures road accident survivors receive timely treatment, rehabilitation, and financial support. This approach has reduced medical complications and shortened recovery times, allowing survivors to return to productive lives sooner. “We’ve seen a 21% increase in discharged cases after treatment, reflecting the success of our early intervention strategies.

Timely care saves lives and helps survivors reclaim their futures,” Myeni said. SMVAF does not stop at community programmes. The Fund is also pushing for systemic change to address deeper issues. In its various engagements with key stakeholders in the post-road crash value chain, the issue of mandatory eye tests and periodic driver licence renewals has been raised. Senior Superintendent Lusito Dlamini once highlighted the preventable nature of many accidents, citing poor eyesight as a leading cause. “Mandatory eye tests for all drivers every two or five years, alongside regular licence renewals, would go a long way in addressing accidents caused by poor eyesight and other health-re- lated impairments,” Dlamini said. The Fund’s achievements speak volumes. From community empow- erment to systemic advocacy, SMVAF is reshaping how Eswatini approaches road safety. With SMVAF leading the charge, the Kingdom of Eswatini is taking bold steps to ensure its roads are safer for everyone. For families like Owami’s, these efforts mean a future where road safety isn’t just a hope.

It is a reality. Meanwhile, as part of its broader mission to uplift communities, SMVAF has adopted innovative strategies to reach the public at their point of need. By leveraging platforms that bring emaSwati together, such as cultural and sporting events, the Fund ensures its impact extends to grassroots levels where it is most needed. One of these interventions is the SMVAF sponsorship of the Ingwenyama Cup tournament. “The Ingwenyama Cup is more than just a football tournament; it is a celebration of unity and national pride. Through our sponsorship, we are not only promoting social cohesion but also creating a platform to engage with communities on critical issues like road safety. It i an investment in both the spirit and safety of emaSwati,” said Sam Mzileni, Corporate Services Executive at SMVAF. “For us small business owners, the Ingwenyama Cup is a lifeline,” said Gugu Mamba, a local vendor who sets up her food stall at tourna- ment venues. “The large crowds give us a chance to sell our products and support our families. Events like these show how sports can drive economic growth and empower communities.”