The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has voiced strong support for Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s call to amend legislation governing drunken driving, warning that fatal road crashes continue to devastate families and place added strain on the public health system.
The labour federation said road deaths often deprive households of their primary breadwinners, compounding economic hardship while increasing pressure on emergency and healthcare services.
Support for Legislative Change
COSATU welcomed the proposed amendment to the National Traffic Act, which would see the scrapping of South Africa’s legal alcohol consumption limit for drivers, effectively moving towards a zero-tolerance approach to drinking and driving.
The proposed change comes amid concerns over persistently high road fatalities, with more than 14 000 deaths recorded annually, and alcohol consumption linked to over 40% of those fatalities.
COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator Matthew Parks said the federation fully supports the minister’s call and urged Parliament to act without delay.
“This is needed to reduce unacceptably high levels of drinking and driving on our roads,” Parks said.
“The proposed changes are supported by overwhelming scientific evidence showing that alcohol severely impairs the ability of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to use roads safely.”
Road Safety in Focus
The call for legislative reform follows the release of the 2025/26 road safety report by Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, which highlighted the ongoing challenges facing road safety enforcement in the country.
COSATU said stricter laws, combined with consistent enforcement, could play a critical role in reducing preventable deaths and injuries on South Africa’s roads.
The federation reiterated its view that road safety is not only a transport issue but also a public health and social justice concern, calling for urgent and decisive action to save lives.
