The Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison had a vigorous and successful first of its magnitude women-driven road traffic operation called Operation Natifisa Pharakanyo, on the R31 Mataleng Crossing in Barkley West, as a wrap up to women’s month activities.

Operation Natifisa Pharakanyo, a women in law enforcement driven roadblock, was aimed to celebrate women in law enforcement.  The department’s female traffic officers comprised the biggest chunk of the officials along with female officials in the SAPS while their male counterparts provided them with support to honour them.

The operation was to encourage road users to see that women in law enforcement are capable to serve with honour and excellence as their male counterparts as they underwent the same training.

The operation was a collaboration between Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, SAPS, Home Affairs’ immigration unit and Women Against Crime in Barkley West.

The routine inspection operation stopped and checked 224 vehicles for roadworthiness, driver fitness, licenses, stolen items, illegal immigrants and illegal substances.  During the operations 9 illegal immigrants were arrested, 8 traffic fines issued and 300 pamphlets distributed.

The department’s Road Safety Education mascot, Danny Cat, added a twist to the operations with a fun element giving away treats along with road safety pamphlets, stickers and messages of caution to drivers and their passengers.

“It’s for the first time for me.  This operation is something amazing and great.  It gives us an opportunity as women in law enforcement to show we are capable and not only men can do this job with pride and excellence but women can too,” said Constable Keneilwe Molutsi of the SAPS.

Road users also gave a positive response to the operation saying it was needed especially to honour women in these previously male dominated professions.

A taxi driver stopped during the operation, George Damoense said he appreciated the women-driven operation as it encourages people to comply with the law and would like to see the operation of its nature unfold regularly.  He said he saw the operation as a means to ensure safety for the lives of all road users.

Portia Mthembu, another driver stopped during the operation said, “The magnitude of this operation is massive and shows the seriousness of the message that the women in law enforcement wanted to convey as our women in law enforcement are being taken for granted.  I hope this operation will encourage other road users to respect and honour these women.”

The Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison would like to encourage all road users to abide by the rules of the road and respect all law enforcement officers.  Road users should remember to always buckle up, not to drink and drive or walk, to be cautious on the road and to exercise patience at all times.

Photo and Caption:  Danny Cat the mascot, Department of Transport, Safety and Liaision’s official Iris Mojoli and a road user receiving information from Danny Cat.

For any enquiries contact: 
Keitumetse Moticoe
Communication Officer
074 251 6567 
Issued by the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaision