transformation
24 August 2006
The Gauteng Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works (DPTRW) has
initiated a programme that is meant to empower women in the provincial public
transport sector. This was announced at an information sharing session held at
the Johannesburg General Hospital yesterday as part of celebrating Women�s
Month.
�The aim of the programme is to identify and create opportunities for women
during the transformation of public transport,� said project manager Jabulani
Mtshiza. The department is working with various stakeholders to involve women
in all road-based transport in Gauteng.
The plan, according to Mtshiza, is not to separate women from transport
structures. �We encourage all organisations to establish a women�s desk and
give women a more powerful voice, with the aim of doing away with stereotypical
thinking that only men are good taxi owners,� said Mtshiza.
The department has identified areas of development in the public transport
sector. This initiative will enable women to be able to take on active roles in
transport matters. Women Taxi Operators� spokesperson Lizzy Ndaba said it is a
good sign and a relief that women are seen as rightful owners and operators of
public transport in the province.
�We had a challenge of not being recognised as women in taxi industry and
this is a huge relief,� said Ndaba. Ndaba said that women were seen as passive
partners in the previously male dominated public transport sector and their
inclusion in the transformation process will create a balance in the
industry.
Gauteng, with help from its stakeholders, is also tackling other challenges
previously encountered by women in the industry.
Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
24 August 2006
