As South Africa enters the busy “ember” months leading up to the festive season, AWARE.org has officially launched its 2025 Don’t Drink & Drive Seminar under the theme “Driving Action for Safer Roads.”
The event, opened by Sola Oke, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard South Africa and Board Member of AWARE.org, brought together leaders, partners, and collaborators across sectors, all united by a common goal: to make South Africa’s roads safer throughout the year, not just during the festive period.
“The key here is action,” Oke said. “Every decision to drive after drinking can have irreversible consequences. Behind the 10,000-plus lives lost on our roads in 2024 are families, futures, and communities forever changed.”
As the lead of AWARE.org’s #DontDrinkAndDrive pillar, Oke highlighted the organisation’s multifaceted approach — combining education, enforcement, and rehabilitation — to foster behavioural change across communities.
Recent collaborative efforts between AWARE.org, law enforcement, government agencies, and private sector partners have shown measurable progress:
10,000+ roadblocks conducted
9,800+ arrests made
6% reduction in incidents in Gauteng
45.6% decrease in road fatalities post-Easter 2025
95% rehabilitation success rate through programmes supported by NICRO
“These aren’t just numbers,” Oke added. “They’re proof that change is possible when we act together. Real, sustainable change comes from shared responsibility — driving awareness and education alongside enforcement.”
AWARE.org also acknowledged the vital support of its partners, including Breathalyser SA, Dräger, MasterDrive, Mokebe Thulo, and the many dedicated members of its network.
“Your commitment turns awareness into accountability and ideas into action,” Oke said in closing. “Road safety isn’t just policy — it’s personal.”
