​Thembisa Shologu
MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has called on communities to report incidents that contribute to the interruptions of smooth traffic flow. 
Speaking at the launch of the 'Adopt and protect a Robot' campaign in Fourways on Wednesday, MEC Diale-Tlabela appealed to everyone to safeguard roads and immediately report any vandalism or theft of traffic signals to local authorities. 
The campaign is a public private partnership between government, the private sector and local communities that seeks to keep traffic signals running smoothly with backup power from local business and protect them from vandalism, cable theft and crime. 
"Become a Road Safety Champion, participate in local community efforts to monitor and protect traffic signals. Your vigilance is crucial in making a positive impact and if you witness theft or vandalism of traffic signals, report any incidents to maintain smooth traffic flow on 10111. Let's work collaboratively to ensure our road infrastructure serves everyone," said Diale-Tlabela.
The department manages over 400 traffic signals at various intersections. Unfortunately, the prevalence of vandalism, theft, and power outages has resulted in the malfunction of several traffic signals, giving rise to severe traffic congestion and accidents on the roads.
The department has paid a sum of approximately R30 million in the first year of the three-year contract to repair or replace over 400 traffic signals at various intersections.
She said that the department has signed a total of 16 Memorandum of Understandings with various businesses and residential associations aimed at tackling the issue of theft and vandalism.
"The department, in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will undertake research on alternative technologies to prevent theft and vandalism of traffic signals.
"We are also exploring the utilization of drone monitoring for traffic signals. More than 100-foot patrollers will complement the Adopt a Robot initiative by safeguarding signals from theft and vandalism and restoring the technical integrity of vandalized Traffic Signals Infrastructure," said the MEC.
Member for Transport and Logistics portfolio at the Provincial Legislature, Evert Phillipus Du Plessis applauded the department for this initiative as they were extremely concerned by the functionality of traffic signals on provincial and municipalities roads.
We look forward to seeing motorists traveling freely, safely and efficiently. When there's traffic congestion is has an impact in the economy, it has an impact on the free flow of traffic it means goods and services can't reach their destination on time.
"When there's traffic congestion it has an impact on the economy, it has an impact on the free flow of traffic it means goods and services can't reach their destination on time.
"We have been engaged in a focus intervention study where one of the recommendations to be tabled at the legislature next week, we are going to call on the department to really look at how do we make sure we hold those motorists liable for those costs."
Dainfern Golf Estate CEO, Geraldine Harris said their involvement in the initiative stemmed from their community commitment to foster safer and efficient infrastructure. 
Harris said the initiative was testament that when private and public sector work together to tackle common challenges, a lot can be achieved. 
"Vandalism, theft and loadshedding have rendered many intersections unsafe and inefficient posing risks to road users and hindering economic progress. 
"Together we are not just fixing traffic lights, we are building a safer and more efficient future for all road users," she said.