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Free State MEC Ketso Makume – The safety of tourism is central to the Free State
Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Ketso Makume, has issued a strong appeal to all motorists, passengers and tourists to prioritize safety and responsibility on the roads this festive season, as part of the province’s ongoing Free State Summer Campaign.
With thousands of travelers expected to visit the province in December, MEC Makume stressed that tourism safety is not optional but a crucial priority for economic growth, visitor confidence and the protection of lives.
During a joint road safety operation at the N1 Plaza in Parys, Fezile Dabi District, the MEC today joined hands with law enforcement agencies, traffic officers and officials from the Ministry of Community Safety, Roads and Transport to reinforce a simple yet powerful message: arrive alive.
Joint road safety operation at N1 Plaza, Parys
The interprovincial roadblock was part of a coordinated government effort to reduce traffic accidents, educate road users and ensure compliance with traffic laws during one of the busiest travel times of the year.
The operation focused on:
- Reckless and dangerous driving
- Drunk driving
- Unroadworthy vehicles
- Illegal weapons
- Lack of valid documentation
- Driver fatigue and risky night travel
Motorists and passengers were stopped, involved and educated about safe driving behavior, rest breaks and the importance of responsible behavior on the road.
According to MEC Makume, road safety does not only start with law enforcement, but with every individual who uses the road.
Road safety as an economic necessity
MEC Makume emphasized that road safety and tourism are directly linked, describing them as inseparable pillars of economic development in the Free State.
“Road safety and security matters are of strategic economic importance; they are important and critical for our visitors to choose the Free State as their destination of choice.
It is for this reason that we call on motorists to always be careful not to drive in bad weather and not to drive at night. said MEC Makume.
He explained that visitors who feel safe are more likely to stop, explore, spend money and return to the province, which benefits local businesses, accommodation providers, tourism operators and communities.
‘Take a little detour and arrive alive’
One of the most important messages conveyed to travelers was the importance of rest during long journeys. MEC Makume encouraged motorists to take small detours of up to two hours if necessary, rather than rushing or driving while tired.
He warned that fatigue, impatience and speeding are among the leading causes of fatal accidents during the festive season.
Motorists were also urged to:
- Avoid driving at night
- Stop regularly to stretch and hydrate
- Never drink and drive
- Check the weather conditions before traveling
- Make sure vehicles are roadworthy
Tourism and safety go hand in hand
During an interview at the roadblock, MEC Makume explained that the Free State Executive Council, led by Prime Minister MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, made a collective decision to support road safety operations as part of the broader festive season strategy.
He emphasized that while police and traffic officers play a vital role, the responsibility starts with individuals, be they drivers, passengers or pedestrians.
The MEC also noted the positive response from motorists, describing interactions between law enforcement officers and travelers as respectful and cooperative, with no incidents of road rage or resistance recorded since the operation began.
Free State summer campaign: safety meets tourism promotion
MEC Makume linked the road safety drive directly to the Free State Tourism Summer Campaign, explaining that people cannot enjoy tourism if they do not arrive safely.
He said security and tourism are “siblings,” working together to create an environment in which people can travel, explore and enjoy the province while contributing to economic growth.
While tourism is about relaxation and fun, the MEC emphasized that it is also serious work that creates jobs, supports local economies and sustains livelihoods.
Presenting the hidden gems of the Free State
As part of the summer campaign, the ministry is actively promoting lesser-known tourist gems in the Free State, encouraging travelers to not simply pass through the province, but to experience it.
The MEC highlighted areas and attractions that continue to delight visitors, including:
- Lush green landscapes in parts of the Eastern Free State
- Natural caves and geological formations
- Large dams that are among the largest on the continent
- Naturally formed water channels and unique heritage sites
He said many visitors are often shocked to discover the diversity of the Free State, challenging the long-held perception that it is merely a transit route between major cities.
“Free State is a place to go, not a place to pass through”
MEC Makume once again underlined his well-known message that the Free State should not be treated as a province through which people simply drive on routes such as the N1, N3, N5 and N8.
Instead, he encouraged travelers to:
- Book local guest houses
- Spend at least a night or two in towns along their route
- Support local restaurants, crafts and attractions
- Learn about the people, history and stories of the province
He said even small towns, dusty streets and local legends have powerful stories to tell, adding depth and meaning to the tourist experience.
Selling experiences, not just destinations
A key focus of the summer campaign is encouraging Free Staters to sell experiences, not just physical attractions.
The MEC explained that communities need to share their stories, local heroes, cultural heritage and everyday lives, making tourism personal and authentic.
He noted that tourism requires not just oceans or mountains, but also storytelling, pride and creativity – values that are deeply rooted in the Free State.
Call for responsible tourism and compliance with traffic rules
Visitors to the province have also been urged to play an active role in protecting tourism destinations in the Free State by:
- Respect for cultural and ecological sites
- Following traffic signs and traffic rules
- Keep destinations clean
- Personal safety comes first at all times
MEC Makume concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to continuing road safety operations during the festive season, making it clear that the aim is a peaceful, accident-free holiday period for both residents and visitors.
The message remains clear: travel safely, travel responsibly and make the Free State your destination – not just your route.
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