WATCH: South African Drivers Grapple with Blue Light Brigade Challenges

Johannesburg, May 2, 2025 – South African motorists face ongoing struggles with blue light brigades, the high-speed convoys with flashing blue lights used to escort government officials and VIPs. These challenges, rooted in traffic disruptions, safety risks, and occasional violence, have sparked public frustration and calls for reform.

Blue light brigades frequently cause chaos on South Africa’s roads, forcing drivers to pull over abruptly or navigate around vehicles that ignore traffic signals. The Automobile Association (AA) notes that brigade drivers often speed, swerve, and use emergency lanes, creating hazardous conditions that have led to accidents, some fatal. A 2013 case saw a Gauteng VIP driver convicted for reckless driving after causing serious injuries, highlighting the dangers.

High-profile incidents have intensified public anger. In July 2023, VIP protection officers were filmed assaulting civilians on a Johannesburg highway, an altercation linked to a driving dispute. The viral video led to the suspension of four officers and an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). Historical cases, like the 2008 shooting at an 84-year-old motorist and the 2010 arrest of a Cape Town student for gesturing at a convoy, underscore a pattern of intimidation.

The National Road Traffic Act permits emergency vehicles, including VIP convoys, to bypass traffic rules if driven with care. However, critics, including the Justice Project South Africa (JPSA), argue these exemptions are abused, with blue lights used for non-emergencies. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has flagged violations of life and equality rights, urging stricter regulations. Proposed reforms include limiting blue light use to genuine emergencies, enhancing driver training, and enforcing accountability. The Western Cape’s 2010 ban on non-emergency blue lights remains a model for change.

As of May 2025, no significant legislative updates have been reported, though public pressure persists. The AA and JPSA advocate for clear protocols, while the Blue Light Protocol by JPSA and the Road Traffic Management Corporation guides drivers on safe responses to brigades. Balancing VIP security with public safety remains a challenge, with experts calling for systemic changes to curb the “road bully” reputation of these convoys.

The blue light brigade issue encapsulates broader tensions over power and public rights in South Africa. With investigations ongoing and reform discussions active, drivers hope for solutions that prioritize road safety and accountability, ensuring the roads are shared equitably.