The crossing of death, where the R31 and N12 meet one another just outside Kimberley and where 86 accidents have happened since April this year, is finally safer. Motorists who approach this dangerous crossing will now be guided by flickering warning lights that were installed by AfriForum with approval from SANRAL.

“AfriForum decided to intervene. With approval from SANRAL, we approached a local contractor to install 96 flickering solar aluminium lights,” said Wico Swanepoel, AfriForum’s Provincial Coordinator for the Northern Cape. “Continuous pressure by the community and AfriForum eventually prompted SANRAL to agree to safeguard the crossing.”

This follows after numerous fatal accidents occurred there and after residents have pleaded with SANRAL to safeguard the crossing. Just more than a year ago, the Facebook group Saamstaan Kimberley (Stand together, Kimberley) was founded as a result of the unhappiness about the safety of this crossing.

“Project costs amounted to almost R38 000,” said Swanepoel. “However, the future cost of protected human lives is immeasurable and is far higher than this expense. AfriForum is thankful for the opportunity to help our Kimberley community as well as visitors to the town.”

Issued by Afriforum