Reasons behind hitch-hiking by commuters in the Eastern Cape will come under spotlight during a one Day Public Transport Indaba in East London to be addressed by the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Hon. Ghishma Barry.
The Indaba follows a battery of complaints from the taxi industry, commuters and motorists alike on the issues around hitch-hiking in the province.
On one hand, the taxi industry has complained that motorists and commuters are taking away business from the industry and as a result their livelihood was affected, on the other, commuters and motorists are complaining that Taxi Operators are abusing them when they discourage them from hitch-hiking. Following this, the department commissioned a Research study which investigated reasons behind hitch-hiking in the Eastern Cape.
The study will be presented to the Indaba by the department. Key stakeholders from commuter organisations, taxi industry, motorists, political parties, civil society and other interests groups will gather to seek solutions to challenges brought by hitch-hiking in the province.
Issues pertaining to hitch-hiking include criminal elements such as high jacking of motorists by criminals, sexual abuse and robbery of motorists and commuters by criminals pretending to be offering or requesting hike.
The department is committed to creating a platform of engagement amongst all interested parties, members of the media are invited to attend the Indaba, and details are as follows:
Date: 29 October 2009
Venue: Orient theatre, East London
Time: 09h30
For more information, please contact:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 442 2388
NB: Radio and TV members of the media are requested to arrange live interviews about this issue in order to educate and inform the society about the matter of interest to them, those wishing to conduct interviews should indicate this to the department so as to make preparations in advance.
Members of the media who need the embargo version of the research report are requested to submit their requests to the department not later than 28 October 2009, kindly note that the embargoed report has serious terms which members of the media will be expected to adhere to.
Issued by: Department of Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
27 October 2009
Source: Department of Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ectransport.gov.za/)
