Primary school learners from Mpumalanga took centre stage recently, demonstrating their understanding of road safety and their creative talents at the Be Road Safe Africa prizegiving ceremony. The event, a collaboration between Puma Energy, international road safety NGO AMEND, and local implementing partner Drive More Safely, culminated in a Kids’ Court and awards presentation, attended by Mmoloki Legodu, Road Safety Programme Manager at The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and Siphiwe Dumisa Ndou, City of Mbombela General Manager.
The ceremony, held at Kabokweni Hall on Thursday, highlighted the growing risks road safety poses to children in South Africa. With nearly one in five (18.4%) of all road fatalities being children under 10 years old, the programme’s multi-pronged approach – combining infrastructure advocacy, education, and child ambassadorship—aims to help improve road safety awareness and reduce fatalities.
A key moment of the day was the impactful Kids’ Court, where young learners from Maphakama, Buhlebuyeta, and Masoyi Primary Schools, empowered by their road safety training, directly questioned reckless drivers brought before them by police. These young judges delivered a clear message, securing pledges for safer driving and demonstrating how children can hold adults accountable for road safety.
“To see our young learners, empowered as judges, holding adults accountable for reckless driving, is truly inspiring. It teaches responsibility from a young age and sends a clear message to every driver: our children are watching, and their safety is paramount. This innovative approach empowers children to be agents of change, transforming them from passive victims into active participants in creating safer roads,” remarked Legodu.
The ceremony also celebrated the artistic talents of children from the three schools, whose drawings vividly depicted critical road safety messages. Ten young artists were honoured for their exceptional work, receiving Back to School vouchers to support their educational journeys.
“At Puma Energy, our purpose is to energise communities, and there is no greater energy than the vibrant spirit of our children,” stated Ashington Makau, Business Lead of Puma Energy South Africa. “Today, we witnessed the profound truth that ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ This programme is our commitment to being an active part of that village, ensuring our children can travel safely, learn, and thrive, free from the preventable dangers of our roads. The dedication shown by our partners, the community, and especially these incredible children, is truly inspiring.”
Aligned with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, the Be Road Safe Africa programme delivers crucial education, fostering safer walking environments for learners. This initiative powerfully demonstrates Puma Energy’s commitment to community investment in health, education, and safety, seamlessly integrating impactful social responsibility into its business operations.