Proud Western Cape road safety debaters | Western Cape Government

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Proud Western Cape road safety debaters

6 September 2016

Ten learners were chosen to represent the Western Cape at the national Road Safety Debate Competition in Limpopo in October 2016. They came out tops at the provincial finals in Cape Town organised by the Department of Transport and Public Works.

Cassidy Pietersen and Welsha Wright (from New Orleans High), Kutlwisiso Mzaca (Makupula High), Zenande Busayi (Diazville High), and Litchona Vongo (Kayamande High) will represent the province in the rural category. Philasande Biyongo and Mona-Lisa Matshayana (from Simanyene High), Bubelekazi Mbala (LEAP Science and Maths School), Patience Ruswa (Sea Point High), and Likhona Dyan (Christel House) will represent the province in the urban category.

This annual competition aims to instil a culture of responsible road user behaviour from a young age. Because children and youth are a particularly at-risk group, the road safety debates target South Africa’s high school learners in their capacities as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, novice drivers, and passengers.

Cassidy Pietersen (17) from Stellenbosch says she’s excited to represent her province.

“I am happy that I participated in this competition because it improved my knowledge about road safety. We all have a role to play a part in reducing deaths on our roads. I would definitely encourage other learners to get involved in this competition,” she said.

Philasande Biyongo (17) from Strand says she enjoyed debating against other teams.

“We debated in mixed teams, so I had to compete against learners from my own school. I am hoping to go back to my community and encourage people to exercise caution on our roads,” she said.

The Department and young people who previously represented the Western Cape will be assisting the teams to prepare for the nationals. This forms part of the Department’s ongoing work with its partners to promote road safety awareness in the schools and communities of the Western Cape.

Media Enquiries: 

Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: byron.lahoe@westerncape.gov.za

You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW