Transport Minister Mr Sibusiso Ndebele has called on provinces and municipalities to work tirelessly to ensure a safe, reliable and efficient public transport system.
Minister Ndebele was addressing Road and Transport MECs from all nine provinces, Heads of Provincial Departments of Roads and Transport, Municipal MMCs of Transport and CEOs of Transport State Agencies at a MinMec (Ministerial and MECs) meeting in Johannesburg today, 17 April.
MinMec is a coordinating body chaired by the Minister and primarily comprises of the Deputy Minister, nine MECs for Transport, their HODs, Transport MMCs in cities, CEOs of Transport agencies and other key officials.
Minister Ndebele told delegates attending the meeting that a reliable and accessible public transport system was a non-negotiable.
"Public transport remains a critical challenge in various parts of our country. We continue to receive negative feedback about the state of our public transport system," said Minister Ndebele.
The Minister believes that an efficient public transport system is central to the success of the country's economy.
"We are the heartbeat of South Africa's economy. Without us, people cannot move from one point to another, people cannot go to work, learners cannot reach schools, goods cannot be transported," Minister Ndebele said.
The Minister said it is important to ensure that all forms of public transport, including road and rail, were functioning at their optimal best.
"On Thursday, 19 April I will be attending the Launch of Request for Proposal for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA's) New Rolling Stock Programme, amounting to more than R100 billion. This is another critical programme that we pin our hopes on with regard to improving our rail passenger services and the creation of jobs and economic opportunities," said Minister Ndebele.
The Minister called on all spheres of government to share notes and experiences with provinces and municipalities that have gotten it right. "If Johannesburg has managed to get it right through Rea Vaya BRT, why can't Nelson Mandela Bay share in the experience of Johannesburg for the benefit of its people?" said Minister Ndebele.
He said MinMec exists solely for the purpose of ensuring that no one is left behind. He said provinces and municipalities should move together towards prosperity.
'This MinMec platform remains a critical point at which all government's efforts on the improvement of transport systems must converge," concluded Minister Ndebele.
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