The Minister of Transport, Mr Joe Maswanganyi, is observing meticulously negotiations aimed at ending the bus strike which started on Tuesday, 11 April 2017.
The Minister is however concerned that labour and employers failed to reach an agreement in negotiations as led by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) yesterday, 12 April 2017.
“Regrettably, the prolonged strike continues to inconvenience commuters who should travel to various destinations including religious pilgrimages during this Easter weekend,” said Minister Maswanganyi.
Minister Maswanganyi further said that the only reasonable outcome that government expects from the negotiations is the immediate resumption of bus operations, whilst labour and employers are finding a permanent solution to the impasse.
In order to temporarily relieve pressure from commuters, the Department of Transport engaged taxi associations to extend their services to cater for constrained commuters.
The Department enthused all provincial departments responsible for transport to issue temporary and special operating licenses to other modes of transport, notably, the taxi industry. This is a temporary measure to address the peak demand.
The Prasa Shosholoza Meyl increased their capacity in corridors that they are currently servicing. The routes include the Johannesburg to Cape Town, Johannesburg to Durban, and Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth.
Minister Maswanganyi appeals to all parties involved to find an amicable solution inspired by a common desire to make the bus industry a reliable and safe public transport mode.
Government will inform the public further on developments in the negotiation process.
Enquiries:
Ishmael Mnisi
Cell:072 566 0827
