I am a resident of Dendron alongside Dendron road, Dendron side, Molemole Municipal Area, Capricorn District, South Africa. I use this road daily to commute to town. Every day, I witness the struggle and danger that comes with navigating our single road lanes. It is not only inconvenient but also poses a significant risk to both motorists and pedestrians alike.

Our communities that are using R521 road for commute deserve better. The current number of lanes and road width is insufficient to accommodate two cars and trucks passing simultaneously without risking accidents or endangering pedestrians. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), inadequate infrastructure is one of the leading causes of road traffic injuries worldwide.

There are unreported cases of accidents along that narrow stretch of road includes pedestrians. Children are at risk daily to be hit by cars and trucks. The Venetia Mine, farmers and logistical truckers from Zimbabwe are heavy users of this road on a daily basis and it causes a lot of traffic as this is a very busy road. Many accidents have occurred on this road for many years and children and adults have lost their lives. I won't forget the year 1998 when I was in Primary school and on our way back from a school trip one of the parents of my peers was involved in a car accident on R521 on a head on collision with a truck that was moving tomatoes to Zimbabwe, I was heartbroken comforting my peer as she witnessed her father's lifeless body just lying on R521.  It's now 2024 and Just recently I witnessed an accident where a child got hit by a car on the way to a school trip and it was followed by another huge head on collision between a taxi and truck yesterday morning on Tuesday 28 May 2024 where 10 teachers were travelling to work and the taxi driver was overtaking a truck. While the taxi was overtaking the truck, another truck was coming on the opposite lane and he failed to go off the road and could not move back to the original lane, he then lost control of the vehicle and hit the other truck head on the on coming lane and all passengers died. In most cases cars have to go off the road to allow opposites upcoming cars to pass safely before they proceed but the lanes don't have shoulder space, or else two cars in opposite direction had to give each way by driving over kerb which also extremely narrowed.

In South Africa alone, approximately 14,000 people lose their lives annually due to road accidents (source: WHO). While not all these incidents are due to narrow roads, improving our infrastructure can significantly contribute towards reducing this number and ensuring safer travel for everyone.

We urge local authorities in Capricorn District Municipality and Business in particular Venetia Mine, Farmers, and Logistical truckers to take immediate action by investing in expanding R521 road from Polokwane to Musina. By doing so, we can prevent potential accidents and make daily commuting safer for drivers as well as pedestrians.

Please sign this petition if you believe in creating a safer community through improved road infrastructure. Your signature could save lives on our roads!