Following the tragic deaths of 18 employees in a traffic accident last year, Keller company Franki Africa has joined forces with campaigners Arrive Alive to improve road safety in South Africa. The move comes as the business unit also launches a fitting memorial to the victims…
It’s just over a year since the terrible incident that killed 18 Franki Africa employees and hospitalised 15 more, as the two buses they were in were hit by a lorry as they travelled to the Nkomati mine project near Johannesburg.
Keller people from all over the world sent messages of support and condolence, as everyone tried to come to terms with the tragic loss of life.
“Words can’t express the loss and devastation that was felt,” says Franki Managing Director Errol Braithwaite. “Our community was stunned by this tragedy, but it has also drawn us closer together and reminded us all that we must take care of each other’s safety and wellbeing.”
Road safety education
It’s with this in mind that the Keller business unit is joining forces with Arrive Alive, a road-safety awareness organisation.
“The aim of this partnership is not only to promote road safety within the company, but also to benefit the wider community by lobbying government to set a legal limit on the number of hours commercial drivers are allowed to drive within a 24-hour period,” says Errol.
The issue of road safety is high on the agenda in South Africa. According to an Arrive Alive report, just over 14,000 people were killed in crashes in South Africa in 2017. Although last year’s incident was not the fault of Franki drivers, it’s hoped that the material will remind employees that it’s not only important to be safe on the job site, but also travelling to and from work.
Franki Africa Memorial Fund
As well as the partnership, the business unit has also launched the Franki Africa Memorial Fund to support the families of those killed in the Nkomati accident.
“We have identified 35 children of the deceased victims and each one will soon receive a substantial bursary to support their education,” Errol explains. “The bursary will be available for five years or until they’re 18. In due course the fund will also be opened up to other applicants who meet the selection criteria.
“We believe this initiative is a worthy way to remember the victims of the Nkomati tragedy. The bursaries will have a very positive impact on these young people’s lives and on their families. Support of this nature could mean the difference between them finishing school or not.”
More information
- Arrive Alive