GOOD Statement by Sarah Mabotsa,
GOOD Councillor and MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning in Tshwane
15 January 2026
GOOD supports the call from the National Minister of Transport, the Honourable Barbara Creecy, to amend Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act so that driving after any drinking of alcohol is totally prohibited.
In 2025, 11,418 people died on our roads, and over the festive season, more than 8500 drivers tested positive for driving under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol is proven to slow down perception and response times for drivers, making the roads unsafe for drivers who drink, and unsafe for their passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.
Research published in 2024 in the Journal of Safety Research indicates that one-third of road accidents globally are linked to driving after consuming alcohol. If South Africa had a clearer policy on not driving after consuming alcohol, this would improve both enforcement and public safety.
We must protect our citizens and all road users; thus, GOOD is proud to support the proposal made in Tshwane today by Minister Creecy to amend the National Road Traffic Act, making it illegal to drive after consuming any alcohol. This amendment would bring South Africa’s road safety standards in line with those of Australia and many other countries where driving under the influence of alcohol is totally prohibited.
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