Puma Energy launches 'Be Road Safe Africa' Phase 2
Staff Writer | Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:25
This initiative specifically targets primary school children, who represent some of the most vulnerable road users. It is carried out in partnership with Amend and local collaborators including, the Society of Road Safety Ambassadors (SORSA), a youth-led non-profit organisation committed to enhancing the safety of young individuals on Botswana’s roads.
The first programme, initiated in 2023 in Gaborone, reached 4,576 children across five primary schools situated in high-accident zones. The schools chosen for the second phase in Gaborone are Boswa Primary School, Marulamantsi Primary School, Tsholofelo Primary School, Lesedi Primary School, and Ledumang Primary School.
As sub-Saharan Africa has the youngest and fastest-growing population, combined with a rising middle class and increasing vehicle numbers on the roads, the region is likely to experience a rise in the number of people affected by road traffic injuries.
The ‘Be Road Safe Africa’ programme seeks to address a critical issue affecting not only Botswana but also various regions across Africa: the alarming rates of road accidents involving young pedestrians. Through interactive workshops and engaging activities, Puma Energy aims to instil life-saving road safety knowledge in the youth, ensuring they understand the importance of safe practices whilst navigating their communities.
“It is inspiring to see Puma Energy Botswana stepping up as a private sector member and actively engaging in road safety initiatives within our youth community,” said Bokhutlo Modukanele, the director of the Department of Road Transport and Safety. “Their commitment to promoting safer roads through educational programmes and community outreach is a testament to their dedication to social responsibility.”
Official statistics from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund reveal that in 2024, Botswana recorded 15,000 road traffic accidents resulting in 336 fatalities with many more injuries reported. Of these fatalities, 110 were pedestrians, 94 were drivers, and 132 were passengers. Gaborone had a notably higher number of fatalities compared to other urban areas and districts.
Puma Energy Botswana officials said the company is committed to improving road safety, starting with initiatives in the country's schools.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, Puma Energy Botswana recognizes its role in fostering safer environments for our children,” said Puma Energy managing director, Tendai Mwewa. “Maintaining high standards of health and safety is essential to Puma Energy's operations. “This commitment goes beyond our products and facilities; it includes our people and extends to the general public—our customers and all road users. “Through Be Road Safe Africa, we aim to tackle a significant issue in Botswana. We take great pride in this effort. By collaborating with Amend and SORSA, we are committed to providing essential education and resources that empower our future generation to make informed decisions on the road.
Puma Energy is a leading global downstream energy business, safely providing energy in more than 35 countries, primarily across central America and Sub-Saharan Africa.
In Botswana, Puma Energy operates 45 retail sites, thirty of which include convenience stores, four airports and airfields and a 2,500 cubic metre storage capacity terminal.