"We maintain that no country can claim to be developed unless all its people, including those in the rural areas, are able to access transport with the least inconvenience."
This was stated by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele at the Transport MinMec meeting held at Emperor's Palace in Johannesburg today Tuesday, 22 September 2009.
"Overall, we continue to emphasise the importance of transport in the economic development of our people and in bringing our people from a state of underdevelopment to a state of development. At the moment, the poor spend far too much on transport. The obligation of government is to ensure that we decrease this cost through the provision of adequate public transport infrastructure.
In certain areas, such as Johannesburg, we have already started with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. BRT is but a first and great step on our road to provide a public transport system that is not only safe and convenient but also reliable and affordable.
"Transport will play a critical role in the success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The 2010 FIFA World Cup is not only about sport but transport. The national Department of Transport is currently finalising a detailed report on our transport state of readiness for the World Cup.
We have appointed a dedicated 2010 Transport Coordinating Team driven by the national Department of Transport. Each province will also appoint a dedicated 2010 Transport Coordinator reporting directly to the national department. This coordinating team will enable us to take decisive steps to overcome our shortcomings and ensure integration and coordination between national, provincial and local government 2010 transport plans.
One of the lessons we learnt from the 2009 Confederations Cup is that transport is going to be critical in the mass movement of fans. While we will use taxis and buses, it is clear that we must use rail as the backbone of our transport system during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"The month of October is commemorated annually as Transport Month. The theme for this year's Transport Month will focus on Safety, with a particular emphasis on Road Safety as too many pedestrians die on our roads every year.
Other key transport priorities highlighted by the minister included:
* engagement with the taxi industry so that the taxi industry can participate more effectively in the mainstream economy
* creation of decent work
* fighting fraud and corruption, particularly with the driving licence system and the licensing of public transport operators through the Provincial Licensing Board
* rural infrastructure development
* improved coordination, planning and monitoring and evaluation
* forthcoming Transport Lekgotla.
MinMec is a coordinating body chaired by the Minister, and primarily comprises of the Deputy Minister, nine MECs for Transport from the various provinces and other key officials. MinMec plays an important role in terms of the system of cooperative governance as enshrined in the Constitution.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
Issued by: Department of Transport
22 September 2009
