The Maun Road Safety Committee has pleaded for collaboration between churches, members of the community, police, and Department of Transport Road Service (DRTS) in order to promote road safety during the Easter Holidays.
Addressing Church Leadership and Pastors on road safety this past Friday, Maun Police Deputy Station Traffic Officer, Inspector Mogorosi Tshekelo stated that churches are heavily involved in road accidents during Easter Holidays due to the mass traveling of congregants to national and international conferences.
Tshekelo complained that churches often rely on hired transportation that may not be roadworthy, overloaded, and driving under fatigue due to long-distance journeys. He said that increased traffic and speeding during this period also significantly raise risks of road accidents.
Tshekelo has encouraged road users to ensure that their vehicles are road worthy while travelling during the holidays. He also encouraged drivers to take rest when taking long journeys and avoid over speeding.
According to Tshekelo, from the beginning of 22nd January 2026 to 22nd March 2026 Botswana has registered a total of 45 fatal road accidents. In the same period last year, the country registered a total of 53 fatal roads accidents while in 2024 same period 45 fatal road accidents were registered.
Tshekelo also stated that between 15th-22nd March 2026 Botswana has registered a total of four fatal road accidents which occurred in Masunga, Jwaneng, Broadhurst and Tsabong.
For her part, Maun Road Safety Committee chairperson, Boitshwarelo Rapebana also observed that high traffic challenge including accidents during Easters increases since congregations are travelling to different destinations.
“With increased travel expected during the Easter period the address seeks to reduce road risks and accidents,” she said.
She said that the collaboration aims to empower faith-based organisations to spread vital road safety messages to their congregations, communities, and families.
Rapebana noted that religious leaders are expected to raise awareness on road safety encouraging their congregants to promote safe travel practices, ensuring vehicle roadworthiness, obtaining necessary permits and planning safe routes.
“Church leaders should be road safety ambassadors and actively make meaningful contribution by empowering their church members on road safety issues. The churches are encouraged to address and foster behavioural changes through preaching on road safety during sermons, to invite road safety officials to present on road safety topics at organised church events,” she said.
