KwaZulu-Natal transport authorities have intensified road safety inspections ahead of the annual Reed Dance at the eMashobeni Royal Palace, with one bus already declared not roadworthy during a vehicle inspection in Pinetown.
The inspection, conducted by Operation Shanela teams and the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), found that the bus had defective brakes and a faulty driver’s seat, prompting officials to suspend it from service.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said the province is deploying resources to ensure the safe transportation of maidens and guests travelling to the event this weekend.
Authorities are inspecting buses and taxis hired for the Reed Dance and will provide traffic management support along major routes leading to Nongoma and the eMashobeni Royal Palace. The operation will also include high-visibility patrols, roadside compliance checks and drunk-driving enforcement.
Duma said the intervention aims to prevent road crashes, reduce congestion and ensure the smooth movement of traffic during the cultural gathering.
