The Department of Police, Roads and Transport together with the National Department of Transport are involved with high level negotiations with all role players to ensure that an end will come to the problems experienced at the Lesotho border where taxis blockaded the border more than once.
Cross-border passenger operations had been characterised by violence and instability in recent months. This has not only impacted negatively on the cross-border trade and passenger movement but also compromised the safety and security of the cross-border traveling public, border communities and property. It is imperative that law and order needs to be restored immediately.
The RSA and Lesotho operators together had an agreement in place since 2005 which enabled both operators from South Africa and Lesotho to have smooth operations at the mouth of the borders.
The recent standoff in the Maseru border is caused by the following:
- Economic by-pass; Cross Border Road Transport-Act doesn’t cater for local operators and as such it over-saturates the market
- Different regulatory regimes in the manner in which permits are issued; to the Cross Border Road Transport Act, National Land Transport Act and Free State Provincial Act
-
That resulted in:
- Impeded flow of passenger traffic: cross-border operations terminating at the ports of entry
- Violent practices between operators
- Existence of illegal taxi ranking facilities located at various ports of entry
- Congestion which leads to compromised border control operations and security integrity.
- Non-compliance to provisions of Southern African Customs Union (SACU)
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Road Transportation.
The RSA Government is fully aware of what is happening on the borders and has deliberated on the possible solutions to quell the impasse. On 10 June 2014 the Ministerial Task Team lead by the Deputy Director General of the National Department of Transport Mr Chris Hlabisa met and came up with the implantation plan and way forward.
On 12 June 2014 the Head of Department of Police, Roads and Transport Mr Sandile Msibi had a meeting with the Deputy High Commissioner and Law Enforcement Agencies to map a way that will yield the positive results for RSA and Lesotho operators.
The process to attend to the problem will also include Legislative review and amendments to legislation that has a bearing on the regulation of public transport and cross-border road transport. During this process, consultation has being done with all stakeholders.
At this stage, joint law enforcement intervention took place during the week of 16 April 2014. During June, workshops for all officials will start so that they can understand the plan.
Enquiries:
Hillary Mophethe, Director: Corporate Communication
Cell: 079 521 7113
