THE COUNTDOWN TO SAFER SCHOOLS IS ON!
We are proud to announce that the official national launch of Kids Court SA will take place on 4th March 2026. Managed by Drive More Safely NPO, this groundbreaking initiative is moving from a successful pilot phase into a powerful nationwide movement.
While our journey begins this March, our ultimate vision is to bring road safety justice to 5,000 primary schools across South Africa over the coming years. This long-term commitment ensures we protect our most precious assets – our children – by laying a permanent foundation for road safety at the grassroots level.
South Africa faces a critical road safety crisis. Every day, our children navigate dangerous traffic to reach their classrooms. At Kids Court SA, we aren’t just teaching road safety – we are giving children the agency to demand it.
What is Kids Court SA?
Managed by Drive More Safely NPO, Kids Court SA is an innovative educational tool that transforms primary school learners into “Road Safety Judges.”
In partnership with provincial and local traffic departments, we set up active road blocks outside participating schools. Drivers found committing common offenses – like speeding in school zones or using cellphones – are summoned to a mock court presided over by our trained Grade 5, 6, and 7 learners.
How the Court Works
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The Training: Eight learners undergo a rigorous training process on the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA).
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The Offenses: The court focuses on the four “Life-Savers”:
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Distracted Driving: Using a cellphone.
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Seatbelt Safety: Drivers not buckled up.
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Child Restraints: Children not safely secured in the vehicle.
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Speeding: Exceeding the 30km/h limit in school zones.
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- Court In Session: The “Judges” have a set of questions that was developed from the NRTA that the offender is asked. A traffic officer is present the whole time
After the “Judges” are satisfied that the offender has remorse for his/her wrong doing, a pledge is signed and the offender is asked to read the pledge. These pledges are filed for reference and data.
The offender is asked if he/she would like to take a photo with the court. The judges then wish him /her well reminding to drive safely.
Why Kids Court?
While the court has no legal power to fine, it has the ultimate power to educate.
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Partnership: Builds a positive relationship between learners and law enforcement.
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Awareness: Highlights the specific dangers present around school gates.
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Foundation: Cultivates a generation of road-conscious citizens from the ground up.
“When a child asks you why you were speeding, you don’t just see a traffic sign – you see the life you’re protecting.”
Why This Matters!
- Injuries: While national annual injury counts for school zones are less frequently aggregated, specialized reports indicate a massive burden. One study reported approximately 1,200 children are injured every month within 500 metres of their schools.
- Scholar Transport: Between 2018 and 2022, over 800 children died specifically in accidents involving dedicated scholar transport vehicles.
Kids Court SA in the Media.
From digital airwaves to national print, the mission of Drive More Safely’s Kids Court SA is making waves.
“Teach safety before it’s too late.” That is the driving force behind our latest project. As Kids Court SA continues to capture the attention of media outlets nationwide, Alida Venter joined Julie Alli on Salaamedia to share our vision for the future.
Kids Court SA was “in session” at the Lucas Meyer Primêre Skool in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal.
Learners confidently stepped into the role of road safety ambassadors during a Kids’ Court SA programme hosted at the school on the 5th February 2026.
This initiative, presented by Alida Venter from Drive More Safely NPO, empowered Grade 5, 6, and 7 learners to address unsafe driving behaviours in their own school zone in a firm yet educational manner.
How the Program Worked on the Ground
Working alongside local Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers, the program created a direct bridge between law enforcement and the community:
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The Intervention: RTI officers stopped motorists who violated traffic laws near the school.
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The Choice: Offenders were given a unique choice: pay a formal fine or appear before the Kids Court to face the very children their driving could affect.
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The “Trial”: In the court, young “magistrates” clearly outlined the road rules and explained the serious risks that reckless driving poses to children.
A Message of Accountability
The program specifically targeted the four most critical safety violations in school zones:
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Speeding: Failing to obey the 30km/h school zone limit.
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Distracted Driving: Using a cellphone while behind the wheel.
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Seatbelt Safety: Drivers and passengers not being properly buckled up.
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Child Restraints: Children under 12 or shorter than 1.5m traveling without an approved car or booster seat.
By putting the responsibility for education into the hands of the learners, the event delivered a lasting message: safer roads begin with awareness, respect, and personal accountability for the lives of our children.
For more details on this event, you can read the full article by Carlien Grobler, in the Northern Natal News: Kids Court SA teaches road safety at Lucas Meyer.
