Road Safety Champion – Sianne Abrahams
The Global Road Safety Partnership would like to recognize Sianne Abrahams, programme coordinator for GRSP South Africa, for her success as recipient of the prestigious Zezani Mandela Road Safety Scholarship.
“As the first recipient of the Zenani Mandela Scholarship, I am deeply humbled…the opportunity will be used daily to ensure that no other child, like Zenani, has to die because of a senseless road crash,” Sianne explained in her acceptance speech.
The scholarship was established in memory of Nelson Mandela’s 13 year-old granddaughter, Zenani Mandela Jr., who died in a car crash on the eve of the World Cup 2010. The Nelson Mandela Foundation, the FIA Foundation and the South African National Department of Transport support the scholarship.
The scholarship serves to supports future leaders and experts to take forward road safety programmes around the world. Transport Minister, Sibusiso Ndebele explained at the launch of the scholarship in early 2011, that it will “help young South Africans tackle the growing epidemic of death and injury on the country’s roads”. (http://www.buanews.gov.za/rss/11/11041216551001)
“My role at the Global Road Safety Partnership South Africa has placed me within a position whereby, I have the opportunity to share the knowledge, and provide input on the implementation of the national response to the Decade of Action, with the national committee and the provincial road safety councils,” Sianne stated.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has recognized the road safety initiative as embodying the values promoted by Mr. Mandela, and subsequently the scholarship was awarded on Mandela Day 2011.
