eThekwini Launches Road Safety Poetry and Speech Competition for Primary School Learners
Primary school learners across eThekwini are being invited to take part in a road safety poetry and prepared speech competition aimed at raising awareness about dangers on local roads.
The eThekwini Transport Authority is organising the initiative in partnership with the South African Road Federation.
Schools have until 27 March 2026 to submit entries for the competition, which carries a total prize fund of R30,000 and will conclude with an awards ceremony in Durban.
The competition forms part of ongoing efforts to encourage safer road behaviour among young people and to help schools address road safety challenges affecting learners on their daily journeys to and from school.
Road Safety Competition for eThekwini Primary Schools
The annual competition invites learners from Grades 2 to 7 across primary schools in the municipality to participate in creative presentations on road safety.
According to organisers, the programme supports the national school curriculum while encouraging learners to think critically about the risks they face on the roads near their homes and schools.
The contest is open to all primary schools in the municipality, including institutions that serve learners with special educational needs. Participants will compete in three different categories based on their grade level and learning needs.
The categories include:
- Category 1: Grade 2 and Grade 3 learners presenting poetry
- Category 2: Grade 4 to Grade 7 learners delivering prepared speeches
- Category 3: Poetry presentations for learners with special educational needs, particularly those with mild intellectual disabilities
Each school may enter only one learner per category.
Organisers say the goal is not only to identify talented young speakers and writers but also to encourage conversations about road safety within schools and communities.
Why Road Safety Education Matters for Children
Road safety remains a serious concern across many South African communities, particularly for schoolchildren who walk to and from school every day.
Learners often travel along busy roads, cross intersections without traffic signals, or share space with taxis, buses, and private vehicles during peak hours.
Officials from the eThekwini Transport Authority say educating children early can help reduce the risks they face and build safer habits that last into adulthood.
The competition encourages learners to research and reflect on road safety issues that affect their schools and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Participants are expected to speak about topics such as:
- Dangerous crossings near schools
- Speeding vehicles in residential areas
- Lack of pedestrian walkways
- Road safety awareness among motorists
- Steps schools and communities can take to reduce accidents
Learners are also encouraged to suggest practical solutions. These may include road safety awareness campaigns, classroom lessons, or school assemblies focused on safe behaviour around roads.
Entry Requirements and Selection Process for Schools
Schools wishing to participate must first submit an entry along with a one-page essay explaining the road safety challenges faced by learners in their area.
The essay must also outline the steps the school has already taken to address those challenges.
Examples of possible interventions include:
- Road safety talks during school assemblies
- Classroom lessons about traffic rules
- Awareness campaigns led by learners
- Visits from traffic or road safety officials
Because organisers expect a high number of submissions, this essay will help determine which schools move forward in the competition.
The closing date for entries is 27 March 2026 at 16:00.
Once schools are selected, teachers will be invited to a workshop where competition guidelines and judging criteria will be explained.
Schools that wish to participate must submit their entry forms and a one-page essay outlining road safety challenges affecting their learners. The essay should also describe the steps the school has taken to promote safer behaviour on nearby roads.
Teachers and school administrators can download the official entry guidelines and application document here:
Download the competition entry document:
https://www.durban.gov.za/uploads/0000/13/2026/02/17/link-eta-sarf-competition-2026-concept-document.pdf
Entries must be submitted before 27 March 2026.
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Important Dates for the 2026 Road Safety Competition
Organisers have outlined several key milestones leading up to the final event.
- 27 March 2026: Closing date for entry forms and essays
- 16 April 2026: Educators’ workshop
- 18 May 2026: Deadline for submission of speeches and poems
- 26 May 2026: Adjudication of entries
- 5 June 2026: Awards ceremony
The final awards event will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, where the best speakers and poets from participating schools will be recognised.
Prizes for Learners and Schools
A total of R30,000 has been sponsored for the competition.
Prize money will be awarded both to individual learners and to their schools, reflecting the collaborative effort behind each entry.
For each category:
First Prize
- R3,000 for the learner
- R4,000 for the school
Second Prize
- R2,000
Third Prize
- R1,000
Organisers hope the prizes will encourage strong participation and inspire learners to develop both public speaking and creative writing skills.
Teachers say competitions like these can also help build confidence in young learners who may not normally have opportunities to speak in public forums.
What Judges Will Look For in Speeches and Poetry
Participants will be required to present original work.
According to the competition rules:
- Poetry presentations must be between two and five minutes long.
- Prepared speeches must be between three and five minutes.
- All presentations must be delivered in English.
- Learners must appear in full school uniform during the competition.
Schools must also provide typed copies of the speeches after the first round of judging.
Organisers may digitally record the presentations and reserve the right to reproduce the speeches or poems as part of road safety awareness programmes.
Judges will evaluate entries based on clarity of message, originality, creativity, and the relevance of the road safety theme.
How Road Safety Awareness Can Protect Young Pedestrians
Educators involved in road safety programmes often stress that children face unique risks when navigating busy streets.
Young pedestrians may struggle to judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles. They may also become distracted while walking, especially when travelling with friends.
Road safety experts recommend several simple habits that can help protect learners:
1. Use designated pedestrian crossings whenever possible.
Marked crossings and traffic lights are designed to give pedestrians safer access across busy roads.
2. Stop, look both ways, and listen before crossing.
Children should be encouraged to pause and check carefully before stepping into the road.
3. Avoid distractions while walking.
Looking at phones, wearing headphones, or playing near traffic can increase the risk of accidents.
4. Walk on sidewalks or safe paths.
If no sidewalk is available, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic so they can see approaching vehicles.
5. Wear visible clothing when walking early in the morning or evening.
Bright or reflective clothing makes it easier for drivers to see pedestrians.
Organisers believe that encouraging learners to write and speak about these issues can reinforce the lessons taught in classrooms.
Community Role in Improving Road Safety Near Schools
While learners can play an important role in promoting safety, officials say road safety is ultimately a shared responsibility.
Motorists are urged to slow down near schools and remain alert for children crossing the road, especially during morning and afternoon school hours.
Local communities can also contribute by reporting dangerous traffic conditions or damaged road signs to local authorities.
Parents and teachers often work together to organise crossing patrols or supervise busy intersections near schools.
Initiatives like the road safety competition aim to bring all these stakeholders together while giving learners a voice in shaping safer environments.
Schools interested in entering the competition must submit their entry forms and essays before the deadline.
Entry documents can be emailed to organisers or delivered to the offices of the eThekwini Transport Authority in Durban.
Organisers say the programme has helped raise awareness about road safety in previous years and hope the 2026 competition will reach even more schools across the municipality.
By encouraging learners to speak openly about road safety challenges, officials believe the initiative can help communities identify problems and find practical solutions.
For many young participants, the competition also offers a chance to develop confidence, creativity, and leadership while addressing an issue that affects their daily lives.
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