Cape Town, South Africa – A video capturing a bakkie’s unsuccessful attempt to navigate a pedestrian bridge in Cape Town has ignited a wave of confusion and criticism across South African social media platforms.
The footage, which rapidly circulated on various social media channels, depicts what appears to be a Daihatsu Gran Max bakkie becoming immobilised just before a sharp turn on a bridge intended exclusively for pedestrian use. Observers are left questioning how the driver failed to recognise the bridge’s intended purpose, leading to speculations about the driver’s awareness and possible impairment at the time of the incident.
Despite the Daihatsu Gran Max being narrower than most bakkies, measuring 1,665 millimetres in width, it remains unequivocally inappropriate for any vehicle to attempt crossing a pedestrian bridge not designed to accommodate motorised traffic. The incident underscores a disregard for traffic regulations and safety protocols.
“Only in South Africa do we have so much comedy,”
commented Denis Pereira on the We Are South Africans Facebook page, reflecting the sentiments of many who witnessed the video. His remark was echoed by a multitude of equally baffled and critical responses from fellow netizens.
This incident marks the second time the Kalkfontein Pedestrian Bridge has garnered negative attention. In August of this year, authorities issued warnings to motorists after a section of the bridge’s safety grid was deliberately damaged, creating openings that allowed criminals to hurl objects onto the roadway below. The previous security breach highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the bridge’s vulnerability and the safety of both pedestrians and motorists in the area.
