KwaZulu-Natal transport MEC Willies Mchunu expressed shock on Sunday at the spate of accidents in the province and urged motorists to be vigilant on the roads.
"It is unacceptable that we are losing so many people simply because some drivers are deliberately disrespecting our traffic rules," Mchunu said in a statement.
"These traffic transgressions are costing lives and resources, causing untold pain to families who lose their loved ones."
The recent accidents included a crash on the R66 road outside Melmoth on Saturday night in which six people died, Mchunu said.
"It is believed that the accident happened when a Toyota Corolla attempted to overtake two vehicles. This resulted in a head-on collision and six people died on the scene."
The other accident involved a minibus taxi on Friday in which 14 people died.
The driver, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a stationary truck near Umkhomazi. He has since been arrested.
Mchunu said traffic law enforcement would be increased over the festive season.
He sent condolences to the families of the deceased.
"I have assigned a team of senior officials to meet with the bereaved families of the uMkhomazi accident. Another team will be meeting the Melmoth families tomorrow [Monday]."
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