13 July 2006
Since the consolidation of the South Africa Rail Commuter Co-operation
(SARCC) and the Metrorail on 1 April 2006, a top level assessment of its
performance has revealed persistent and unique challenges that require the
Department of Transport (DoT) to assume a more direct role in the management of
the SARCC.
Consequently, the Minister Jeff Radebe and the SARCC Board reached an
agreement last month to second Deputy Director-General (DDG): Public Transport
Lucky Montana from the DoT to SARCC in the capacity of caretaker/acting Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) for a period of at least 18 months.
His secondment arises out of an aggressive approach that the department has
taken to improve the public transport system.
Montana is expected to ensure the implementation of the passenger rail
turn-around strategy, establishment of consolidated organisational structure
and the improvement of rail services before 2010. Thereafter he will return to
the department.
Montana is well-known for having made a major contribution towards setting
the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme (TRP) on course to replace the ageing taxi
fleet. The TRP remains on schedule and unchanged, and the TRP project office,
headed by Mr Maishe Bopape, will continue with its rollout. The department has
also spearheaded the development of the bus transformation blueprint document -
the Bus Model Tender Document - which will see a complete overhaul of the bus
industry. The acting DDG: Public Transport will soon be appointed.
With reference to recent media reports on threats to TRP officials, we would
remind commentators of the statement made by the Minister in his budget vote
speech in parliament on 30 May 2006:
"Infighting in the taxi industry is also an incredible waste of human and
other resources, and I would have hoped that by now these problems were behind
us. The associations themselves, together with law enforcement agencies, have a
combined responsibility to bring taxi violence to an end; at the very least for
the safety of passengers and the public. I must also state that I am deeply
concerned that officials who have been tasked by government to develop,
implement and oversee the taxi recap programme have been subjected to
intimidation and of threats to their lives and wellbeing. This is thuggery and
Government will act forcefully against those responsible".
It can be indicated that government remains seized of the security
challenges posed by TRP. A complete security plan is in place to deal with taxi
violence as well as securing officials who may be threatened. This initiative
is led by the security agencies with the full co-operation of the DoT. We will
not provide details or comment on any of the security plans being
implemented.
Government policies derive from a national electoral mandate and will be
implemented as such. Officials are deployed from time to time to ensure the
implementation of these policies. No amount of threats and thuggery by a tiny
group will influence our determination to proceed with the implementation of
our policies and programs.
Enquiries:
Collen Msibi
Cell: 082 414 5279
Issued by: Department of Transport
13 July 2006
Source: SAPA
