The IFP would like to send its deepest condolences to the families of those who died in a road accident involving a taxi in Balfour this morning.

IFP Spokesperson on Transport, Mr Petros Sithole MP said, "It is tragic to hear of another seven people having died in an Mpumalanga road accident. Just a few days ago, sixteen people were killed after a head-on collision between a truck and a minibus on the R25 in Bronkhorstspruit in Mpumalanga. The question is , what are the Department of Transport and Taxi Associations in Mpumalanga doing to proactively prevent further road deaths in Mpumalanga? The situation is clearly in dire need of redress."

"Taxi owners must ensure that their drivers have public driving permits and are trained in providing safe public transport. The IFP also calls upon the Department of Transport in Mpumalanga to conduct proper maintenance and upkeep of the road infrastructure. Poor maintenance because of bad workmanship must be rectified. The Department must also consider the problem of stray animals on Mpumalanga roads which remain a major safety hazard to motorists," said Sithole.