This October, the South African Department of Transport is gearing up to spotlight critical infrastructure services across aviation, maritime, public transport, and road networks during Transport Month. The initiative is aim at underscoring the significant impact of efficient transportation systems on the national economy.According to a recent statement from the department, “Our investments in the transport sector are aimed at stimulating development and creating jobs as part of the country’s Nine-Point Plan.
“These efforts are designed to construct an integrated public transport network that can transform the daily commute and enhance accessibility for work, study, and leisure activities.
“Our investments in rail, roads, and public transport are changing the way people access their places of work, study, and entertainment. They will also help grow our economy and address the challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality,” the statement continued.
This year, statistics from the Easter holiday period revealed a promising trend, with road fatalities decreasing by 32.5% compared to the same period last year. This decline was noted across all provinces, with the exceptions of the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga. Nevertheless, persistent issues such as driver behaviour, vehicle unworthiness, and alcohol-related driving continue to pose significant threats to road safety.
In a proactive response to the many challenges facing the transport industry, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has expressed an eagerness for collaborative efforts during Transport Month. Despite the frequent involvement of the taxi sector in road crashes, SANTACO is committed to becoming part of the solution by raising awareness for road safety through various community-based programmes.
“Our promise this Transport Month is clear; we are striving for safer journeys, better service, and smarter ways of doing business. This is a journey of fixing, building, and improving step by step together with our commuters and operators,” stated SANTACO President Abnar Tsebe.
He emphasised the importance of the Hlokomela Road Safety Campaign, which aims to reach both commuters and operators directly. The campaign, which will focus on taxi ranks and specific routes where service shortfalls have been identified, reflects SANTACO’s dedication to improving commuter experiences through enhanced safety, service delivery, and the adoption of updated technologies that bolster the sustainability of the taxi industry.
As this year’s Transport Month unfolds, it arrives amidst increasing tensions within the taxi industry—issues that have also impacted e-hailing services. Meetings and discussions throughout the month will be critical in addressing these challenges, while also working towards a safer and more integrated public transport landscape for all South Africans.
