Puma Energy Botswana has unveiled Phase 2 of its ambitious Be Road Safe Africa programme, a bold educational initiative designed to shield the most vulnerable โ primary school children โ from the deadly hazards of the road. This launch marks more than an event; it embodies a collective urgency to confront a grim reality: in 2024 alone, Botswana recorded approximately 15,000 road accidents, resulting in 336 fatalities, many involving children who spend a large part of their day as pedestrians navigating dangerous streets without adequate protection.
The Be Road Safe Africa initiative first took root in 2023, reaching over 4,500 students in its initial phase. Now, with the inclusion of five additional primary schoolsโBoswa, Marulamantsi, Lesedi, Tsholofelo, and Ledumangโthe program expands its protective reach deeper into Gaboroneโs communities. This effort is supported by the Society of Road Safety Ambassadors (SORSA) and other key partners, each committed not just to awareness but to tangible change in the lives of Botswanaโs children. Itโs a response to a sobering statistic that casts a shadow over much of Sub-Saharan Africa, where road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death, especially among young pedestrians.
At its core, the programme is more than a traditional classroom lesson. It is a carefully crafted experience that uses engaging, interactive methods to instill life-saving skills and a sense of responsibility. One of the standout elements is the โKidsโ Court,โ an innovative approach pioneered by Amend, a Tanzanian-based NGO specializing in road safety education. In these sessions, children role-play as judges, lawyers, and witnesses, exploring the consequences of unsafe road behavior in a format that makes the lessons resonate far beyond the classroom. This method empowers children by making them active participants in their safety, rather than passive recipients of information.
The initiativeโs impact is already evident across Africa. During its first phase, Be Road Safe Africa reached over 38,000 children in 20 schools across Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, with plans to expand further into Mozambique and South Sudan. Puma Energyโs commitment is part of a broader corporate social responsibility platform called Be Puma Safe, which seeks to address critical social issues while empowering youth. This program exemplifies how corporate entities can leverage their resources and influence for societal good, particularly in regions where government-led infrastructure and education efforts may fall short.
Botswanaโs road safety challenges are acute. With road traffic fatalities averaging around 400 annually and serious injuries on the rise, the need for intervention is urgent. The causes of these accidents are multifaceted: speeding, alcohol influence, poor road conditions, and the presence of livestock on roads all contribute to the perilous environment. Children, who walk to and from school daily, face outsized risks. As Mr. Bokhutlo Modukanele, Director of the Department of Road Transport Services, poignantly put it at the launch, โChildren are the gift and inheritance from the Lord; we should cherish and protect them.โ His words underscore the moral imperative behind the campaign.
The collaboration with SORSA is critical. This youth-led organization works tirelessly to curb road crashes involving young people through peer education and advocacy. Their efforts complement Amendโs educational programming and Puma Energyโs funding and logistical support. Together, they form a network that extends beyond simple awareness to include improvements in pedestrian infrastructureโfootpaths, zebra crossings, speed humps, and road signageโaround schools. These measures create safer physical spaces that reinforce the behavioral lessons taught in classrooms.
Community involvement is another pillar of the programโs design. By partnering with local councils and police services, Be Road Safe Africa integrates road safety into the fabric of daily life. Police officers often participate in program activities, lending authority and real-world experience to the educational sessions. This collaboration helps bridge the gap between law enforcement and communities, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for road safety that is crucial for lasting change.
The effectiveness of this initiative lies in its comprehensive approach. It doesnโt just tell children to be careful; it teaches them how to be safe, why it matters, and how their actions affect everyone around them. It encourages accountability through interactive exercises, art competitions, and community engagement projects that keep road safety top of mind. By embedding these lessons early, the hope is to cultivate a generation of safer pedestrians, drivers, and citizens.
Puma Energyโs dedication to this cause reflects a broader trend among multinational corporations operating in Africa. Recognizing that economic development is inextricably linked with social well-being, companies like Puma Energy are stepping up beyond their commercial roles. Their investment in programs like Be Road Safe Africa signals an understanding that true progress depends on healthier, safer communities.
As the program rolls out its second phase, the eyes of Botswanaโand indeed the continentโare watching. Success will be measured not just in numbers of children reached but in lives saved and injuries prevented. The stakes are high, but so is the resolve. In the words of Mr. Rama Nyanza from Amend, the initiative is not just about teaching safety; itโs about โempowering children to take ownership of their environment and their futures.โ
In a world where road traffic injuries claim over a million lives annually, with Africa bearing a disproportionate share, initiatives like Puma Energyโs Be Road Safe Africa offer a blueprint for hope. They remind us that while infrastructure and enforcement are vital, education and community engagement are equally powerful tools in saving lives. For Botswanaโs children, this program is a lifelineโand a promise that their safety is worth fighting for.
