Safety and Liaison, Bheki Cele during the KwaZulu-Natal Public Transport
Passenger Associations (KZNPTPA) launch in Empangeni
13 October 2007
Protocol observed
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is committed to a structured,
ongoing consultation process that allows stakeholders to make informed
decisions on how best to prioritise their needs, either on public transport,
road safety or access roads.
In realising that in most instances, the commuters are excluded in the
decision-making processes which affect their transportation, the department has
established Public Transport Passenger Associations (PTPA) to promote public
participation and accelerate transformation in the public transport sector.
It is on that score that we are gathered here today to launch our provincial
structure, the KwaZulu-Natal Public Transport Passenger Association. The
provincial structure comes after the establishment of local associations that
are operating all over the province.
I want to emphasise that the provincial association and local associations
are the only public formal structures we recognise as government and the public
transport industry. They are formal bodies representing all public transport
users in the province and are guided by their constitution.
As government, we are under no illusion about the magnitude of the task at
hand and the obligation we have in ensuring that the public transport system is
responsive to national policy imperatives and contributes meaningfully to
economic development and growth.
When we launched our Transport Month in the province last week, we were
emphasising also our commitment to the development of an effective and
efficient public transport system that is fully responsive to the needs of our
people.
Public transport can only improve if we work together as a collective. While
it is true that government has a responsibility to regulate the industry and
ensure compliance with safety standards, the communities similarly have an
obligation to ensure that operators provide the level of service expected by
the commuters.
In the context of a province having experienced taxi violence, as Passenger
Associations you will play an important role in bringing about peace and
reconciliation. You will promote passenger safety and improve relations between
the operators and the entire public.
Public transport is a critical ingredient to economic growth and development
as it enables the mobility of the labour force. Our assertion that transport is
the heartbeat of the economy is no misnomer, but rather a fundamental
expression that truly defines the place transport occupies in the economic
terrain.
The little strides we make as stakeholders and communities as a contribution
to the broader agenda of improving public transport must be acknowledged and
appreciated. The challenge that lies ahead may be daunting, but it is not
unachievable.
Ladies and gentlemen, as it has been said earlier, this launch coincides
with our celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Public Transport
Enforcement Unit (PETU), well known by its 'Operation Shanela.' In fact we
celebrate the achievements this Unit has had since it was established five
years ago.
Through this Unit, we have seen improved compliance with Public Transport
Permits, significant reduction in illegal operators, significant reduction in
taxi related violence, significant reduction in bakkies operators and improved
public transport vehicles roadworthiness through Thathi'skorokoro
operations.
Our government is always committed to securing a transformed public
transport sector in South Africa which is economically sustainable and which
provides the public with safe, affordable, reliable and comfortable transport.
This, I believe, provides the context, which highlights the critically
important role of our Public Transport Enforcement Unit. In fact, as passengers
these are people you need to work with.
In closing, I want to pay a special tribute to the RTI and its Public
Transport Enforcement Unit as well as the leadership of the KwaZulu-Natal
Department of Transport. Sometimes it's a dangerous work to regulate those that
do not conform. These are brave people and true public servants. They deserve
your support.
Finally, I would like to welcome the elected leaders of the public transport
passengers in the province. We welcome them in our transport family. Let's
continue to defend the weak in our society.
I thank you
Issued by: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison,
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
13 October 2007
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kzntransport.gov.za)
