Sol Phenduka Shares Harrowing Near-Miss Experience on the Roads

South African radio host Sol Phenduka recently recounted a distressing experience on the roads when he nearly got into a car accident in his area.On his X account, Phenduka shared that a traffic light close to his residence, which had been out of order for over six months, suddenly became operational again.

Accustomed to seeing the light malfunction for months, Phenduka noted that the change did not immediately register as he approached the intersection.

He mentioned that he instinctively proceeded as he usually would, only realizing at the last moment that the traffic signal was now functioning and displaying a solid red light instead of the previously common flashing signal.

“Today it worked… I saw it’s working but it didn’t register in my head that it’s actually working,” he elaborated, describing the moment as a “rude awakening.”

The occurrence ignited a conversation among his followers, many of whom expressed gratitude for his safety while sharing opinions on how drivers should manage malfunctioning traffic signals.

Some users emphasized that flashing red lights must always be treated like stop signs, while others commented on the potential confusion at intersections when drivers are used to seeing faulty signals suddenly functioning correctly.

Almost got into a car accident today.

There is a traffic light in my neighbourhood. Hasn’t worked for over six months.

Today it worked, I saw it’s working but it didn’t register in my head that ITS ACTUALLY WORKING, it was business as usual. Had a rude awakening when i…

— Thandubuntu (@Solphendukaa) February 7, 2026