SA: Jub Jub joins road safety campaign

The Asifikeni (Let's Arrive) campaign intends to reduce fatalities in a country where thousands of people lose their lives on the roads every year. Other well-known South African celebrities who will be part of the camping include Kelly Khumalo, Nelisiwe Sibiya, DJ Sabby and Dineo Nchabeleng.

“Jub Jub is an example and is determined to use his voice and experiences in ensuring that the roads are safe for all that use them,” a media release says. “He was convicted for reckless driving which killed school children, leaving some severely injured. Jub Jub has served time at two correctional facilities and he would not want anyone to end up behind bars for being irresponsible.”

In March 2010, Jub Jub, whose real name is Molemo Maarohanye, and his co-accused, Themba Tshabalala, killed four children while drag racing under the influence of hard drugs near a school in Soweto. The two were sentenced in 2012 and released from jail in early 2017 after their sentences were reduced from the initial 25 years.

“I have learnt the hard way," Jub Jub said. "I committed a crime which caused so much pain to so many people I would like to encourage South Africans to be more vigilant and responsible on the roads.

“I am happy to be working with the Asifikeni team and member of the executive committee for community safety in Gauteng, using my voice and platform to effect change. I know the tragedy of losing people you love. Also having been the perpetrator, I urge all South Africans to be responsible and be safe.”

Black Brain Pictures boss Mandla Ngcongwane implored drivers to be cautious on the roads during the festive season.

“Texting and driving, drinking while driving, all kinds of behaviour that serve as distractions to the driver, are totally unwelcome and it's how we mostly lose our loved ones. Let us be safe,” he said.

According to official statistics, 14 050 people died in road crashes in South Africa last year. Since 2008, about 135 000 have died on the country's roads. "This is a shocking number which without urgent intervention‚ genuine commitment from all role players and a complete change in the attitude of all road users will never significantly decrease‚” the Automobile Association of South Africa said in April.