Jonsson Workwear, renowned for its high-quality workwear and charitable endeavours, has embarked on an initiative to enhance road safety and protect children in SA.
Its Vizi Belt drive, a recent addition to the company’s philanthropic efforts, addresses the alarming statistics on pedestrian fatalities, particularly among children, on SA’s roads.
Earlier this year, the Daily Dispatch reported on many children having to walk long distances to get to school.
Some children from Mdantsane reportedly had to walk more than 6km to get to school due to a lack of transport.
These children often walk alongside busy roads, putting their lives at risk.
With about 27 million pedestrians traversing SA’s roads daily, and 47 fatalities occurring every 24 hours, the need for proactive measures is vital.
Recognising the danger faced by many children who often walk long distances to school due to transportation challenges, Jonsson Workwear has stepped in to distribute three million high-visibility belts across its stores nationwide.
The belts, crafted from durable materials with neon orange tape for daytime visibility and reflective silver strips for low-light conditions, aim to improve pedestrian visibility and safety.
The initiative has gained traction in East London, with the Beacon Bay branch alone having distributed about 20,000 belts to date.
CEO and executive chairperson Nick Jonsson emphasized the importance of raising awareness and fostering collective action to prioritise road safety.
He said through partnerships with communities, non-profit organisations, and small businesses, Jonsson Workwear aimed to spearhead a movement towards a safer SA.
