Africa-Press – Eswatini. In Dvokodvweni Inkhundla, road safety is no longer just about drivers; it is about communities stepping up to protect lives. The Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund has reimagined its cattle-ranging initiative by enlisting community police to help herd livestock away from highways. This marks a significant evolution in their role, expanding beyond crime prevention into proactive accident prevention.
Traditionally tasked with deterring crime, community police are now doubling as cattle rangers. Equipped with bicycles for faster patrols and newly donated reflective vests for better visibility, they are positioned to respond swiftly when cattle stray onto busy roads. This dual responsibility not only strengthens community policing but also creates a grassroots safety network that directly addresses one of Eswatini’s most persistent road hazards.
MVA Fund CEO Khangeziwe Mabuza highlighted the importance of this partnership, stressing that cattle on roads remain a leading cause of fatalities. By working hand in hand with local leaders and residents, the Fund is building a model of shared responsibility. MP Sifiso Shabalala echoed this sentiment, noting that the initiative has already transformed livelihoods in Dvokodvweni while also praising the Fund’s broader contributions, including Ekuphileni Clinic’s world-class medical services.
For community police leader Dumisa Nkentjane, the timing could not be better. With the national Emaganu festivities approaching—a period historically marked by increased road accidents—the reflective vests will help rangers safeguard travellers during peak traffic and nighttime celebrations.
This initiative is more than a safety measure; it is a blueprint for community-driven innovation. By empowering local police and cattle rangers with practical tools, the MVA Fund is fostering resilience, reducing fatalities, and proving that road safety can be achieved through collaboration rather than enforcement alone.
