The holidays can bring both joy and pressure and many South Africans share emotional, mental, and financial challenges during this period. With the festive season underway, our main priority is keeping our families and children safe during this time.

The school holidays should be a time of fun and relaxation for children, but it is also a period when parents need to be extra vigilant about safety. The Internet can be a dangerous neighbourhood for everyone, but children and teens are especially vulnerable. From cyber predators to social media posts that can come back to haunt them later in life, online threats have severe, and even tragic consequences. Cyberbullying and sexual predators are at the top of the list of dangers, but children are advised to be smart with passwords; configure privacy settings; use social media platforms wisely and not to share personal information; don't befriend strangers; approach links with caution; and install antivirus protection. Parents are advised to "follow" their children. This idea may not be popular with kids, but for concerned parents, it's arguably the most practical and effective way to monitor the situation. Following your child on social media platforms provides an opportunity to listen in on these public conversations and see what they're sharing in terms of photos and videos. More importantly, it positions you to be the first party alerted of instances that involve social ills, stalking or bullying.

DBE employees are cautioned to travel safely as the 2025/26 festive season gets underway. This year’s safer festive season campaign is held under the theme; “It Starts With Me”, reflecting the critical role of individual behaviour in preventing loss of life. Safer roads depend on every driver, passenger and pedestrian making responsible and informed choices. Provinces will roll out extensive road safety education and awareness activities at taxi ranks, bus stations, malls, churches, toll gates, rest stops, sporting events and border posts. Motorists are urged to prioritise vehicle roadworthiness checks, take regular rest breaks, carry valid licences, buckle up and do not drink and drive. Passengers must prioritise their own safety by wearing seatbelts and reporting reckless or unsafe driving to the National Traffic Call Centre on 0861 400 800. Pedestrians are encouraged to wear visible clothing, especially at night.

Operations to safeguard communities and support a safe and enjoyable holiday period have been intensified across all provinces. Police visibility has been strengthened, with additional officers deployed to identified hotspot areas to deter crime and respond swiftly to incidents. Integrated operations involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police and other security partners are underway across the country to maintain safety in public spaces, shopping centres etc. Communities are encouraged to work closely with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities and adhering to safety guidelines. Report incidents to your nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111.

Let us all play an active role in safeguarding our communities so that we can enjoy a safe, responsible and peaceful festive period.