Speech by the Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Honourable Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, on the occasion of the tabling of the 2022/23 Annual Report for the Department of Roads And Transport, Delivered on 31 August 2023.
Madam Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Leaders of the Labour Movement;
The Gauteng Transport sector and all honoured Guests present here today;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
It is with great humility that I stand in front of this august house to deliver the Annual Report for the Department of Roads and Transport’s 2022/23 Financial Year.
Madam Speaker, Today, we gather to reflect upon the strides taken during the financial year 2022/23 by the Department of Roads and Transport. This period has proven to be a critical juncture in our ongoing journey towards socio-economic recovery, and it is with immense pride that we share the remarkable progress achieved in the face of adversity.
As we are well aware, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global uncertainties necessitated a strategic and deliberate approach to reignite our region's socio-economic engine. Our response was guided by the reprioritized Growing Gauteng Together (GGT) 2030 Plan and the five Elevated Priorities, which we embraced wholeheartedly as non-negotiable focal points.
The heart of our strategy was embodied in the Growing Gauteng Together Through Smart Mobility
2030 Plan, a visionary blueprint that encapsulates our commitment to transforming transportation through four pillars: Infrastructure, Operations, Institutions, and enabling Technology. This Smart Mobility Plan aimed to seamlessly integrate information technology and innovative solutions into our transport network, ensuring efficiency, safety, and convenience for all.
Honourable Members our department is slowly turning the corner, just yesterday the Honourable Premier bestowed the honour of the most improved Department in the Province on Audit Outcomes for the year under review. Our fleet management entity g-Fleet was also recognised for improvements in audit outcomes, while our Gautrain Management Agency maintained its clean audit outcome. All this is the testament to our clear strategy and efforts by our officials to transform this department into a capable arm of the state that is fit to deliver services to the people of our province efficiently and without wastage.
In our pursuit of economic revival, the Department embarked on significant infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of key roads such as P39/1 and P156/3. These endeavors have not only contributed to economic resurgence but have also ignited the flames of job creation and community empowerment.
We recognised the pressing need to address unemployment head-on, a consequence of the pandemic's impact. To this end, we harnessed the power of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), launching initiatives like the COVID-19 Transport Cadet Programme and the Departmental Internship Programme. Through these efforts, we have not only provided employment opportunities but have also nurtured skill development, particularly among our youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Our commitment to an integrated e-ticket system, encapsulated in the One Province One ticket project, aims to provide seamless travel experiences for all. The Transport Management Center (TMC), a hub for real-time information, has empowered commuters and decision-makers alike, bolstering safety, efficiency, and informed choices within our public transport system.
Safety has remained paramount in our endeavors. The establishment of impound facilities, the introduction of the Public Transport Arbitration Office, and the implementation of a new Vehicle Number Plate System showcase our resolute commitment to combating crime and ensuring the well-being of all who utilize our transportation systems.
I am immensely proud to highlight that despite challenges such as cash flow issues, community stoppages, and disruptions from external factors like load shedding, our Department has demonstrated strategic acumen, fostering engagements with stakeholders and forming partnerships within our communities. These interventions have enabled us to navigate these challenges effectively and emerge stronger.
Our financial resilience, achieved through efficient revenue collection, tariff reviews, and collaborative efforts with our stakeholders, has allowed us to maintain a robust revenue contribution to our provincial government. This, in turn, strengthens our capacity to continue uplifting our beloved province.
In closing, the Department of Roads and Transport in Gauteng stands as a beacon of resilience, adaptability, and dedication. Our initiatives have aligned seamlessly with the province's priorities, resulting in tangible contributions to economic growth, job creation, and public safety. Our achievements in infrastructure development, smart mobility solutions, and revenue generation reflect our unyielding commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our citizens.
I thank you all!
