Department of Community Safety and Transport Management Budget and Policy Speech for the financial year 2023/2024 by MEC Jonas Sello Lehari, North West Provincial Legislature; Mmabatho
Honourable Speaker: Mme Basetsana Susanna Dantjie Honourable Deputy Speaker: Mme Lena Miga
Honourable Premier of the Province: Rre Kaobitsa Bushy Maape Chief Whip of the Majority Party, Hon. Lazzy Mokgosi
Chair of Chairs: Hon. Kabelo Mataboge Fellow Members of the Executive Council Members of the Provincial Legislature
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads, Transport and Community Safety: Hon. Mmoloki Cwaile
Chairperson of the Provincial Portfolio Committee on Public Accounts: Hon. Job Dliso Members of the Mayoral Committees and Chairpersons from different municipalities Acting Head of the Department, Mme Mpho Maleme
Senior managers of the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management SAPS North West Provincial Commissioner: Lieutenant General Sello Kwena
SAPS Senior Managers Office of the MEC
Provincial Chairperson of CPF, Mr Dixon Ngamlane Community Safety Forums (CSF)
NTI Management
Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) and the North West Public Transport Intervention Team (NWPTIT)
ANC leadership here present led by Chairperson, Cde Nono Maloyi
Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders; Kgosi Ofentse Maotwe and other traditional leaders here present
Members of the Media Houses Baagi ba North West Province Dumelang bagaetsho
Thobela ke ralotsha
PREAMBLE
Madam Speaker, I remain humbled to be afforded an opportunity to address this esteemed House and continue to assure the people of the North West Province that, through this departmental budget vote and policy speech, we assert our commitment to work for developmental government that puts the interest of people above everything else and fulfilling our commitments with agility and diligence.
We remain resolute, committed and unwavering in our quest to fulfil the strategic mandate of the governing party, the African National Congress, which enjoins me to work for the achievement of a better life for all and work for the fundamental socioeconomic transformation. Key to this is to espouse the Constitution of South Africa, the values, vision and principles of the Freedom Charter to achieve an agenda for transformation.
Honourable Speaker, Honourable Premier this is the penultimate budget vote and policy speech before the next elections. I feel privileged for coming to this august House to table the budget vote and policy speech for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management.
Humbled by the honour bestowed on me by the governing party, the African National Congress and the honourable Premier, notwithstanding the enormity of the responsibility, I once again commit the Department to do our utmost to ensure the safety of the citizens of the Province and the provision of safer transportation services.
INTRODUCTION
We have striven in our quest to fulfil mandate of the governing Party, the African National Congress, that we must improve the lives of the people. In the year of our 29th Anniversary since the historic all-inclusive democratic elections that heralded change, our successes far outweigh our challenges.
We are the victims of our success as we have put the bar so high that anything less is not acceptable. As much as there are challenges, we also made strides especially in the deep rural areas of our Province.
Honourable Speaker, this is underlined by what former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela once said. Addressing the National Assembly on the 18th of August in 1994 on his hundredth (100th) day in Office, he said; "we have a government that is in control and whose programmes are on course", so said Madiba. I stood here last year and committed that we will use the budget allocated to us as the Department wisely.
I am beaming with pride Honourable Speaker but remain humbled in informing the August House that we have spent all the budget allocated to us. Honourable Members, the Greeks have an expression which goes and I quote: "society grows great when old men and women plant trees under whose shade they shall never sit", close quote. Whatever we do today, will be rewarded when citizens are completely safe and transportation service is accessible to all. We don't grow as people when elements are easy, we grow when obstacles toughen our muscles. The challenges we are experiencing are learning lessons which strengthen our resolve.
Honourable Speaker, allow me to present the achievements and the budget vote for the year twenty twenty-three, twenty-four (2023/2024), for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management:
ALLOCATED BUDGET FOR 2023/2024 PER PROGRAMME:
PROGRAMME - AMOUNT - AMOUNT IN WORDS
ADMINISTRATION - R363,457,000 - Three hundred and sixty three million, four hundred and fifty seven thousand Rand
PROVINCIAL CIVILIAN SECRETARIAT FOR POLICE - R54,998,000 - Fifty four million nine hundred and ninety eight thousand Rand
TRANSPORT OPERATIONS - R1 ,320,406,000 - One billion, three hundred and twenty million, four hundred and six thousand Rand
TRANSPORT REGULATIONS - R594,040,000 - Five hundred and ninety four million and forty thousand Rand
TOTAL - R2,332,901,000 - Two billion, three hundred and thirty two million, nine hundred and one thousand Rand
Honourable Members, these figures may sound enough even astronomical to the listening ear. However, in reality, they are far from enabling us to achieve all our plans. But we have resolved to do more with the little we have.
Let me outline how all these figures will be used as I also reflect on how the previous financial year has gone.
PROGRAMME 1 - ADMINISTRATION
Honourable Speaker, our social transformation agenda is on course as we progress well in terms of affirming women in senior positions within the Department.
Today, as I present the budget, the Department has a total number of 24 SMS members of which 10 are women and 14 are men, which represents forty-two percent (42%) females and fifty-eight percent (58%) males. We are hoping to address this imbalance with the funded 78 advertised posts by increasing women's representation at the SMS level.
The disability status is now at one point nine percent (1.9%) as opposed to the required 2% and this is informed by an increase in the number of Employees in the Department. The Department has successfully obtained a 100% disclosure rate for SMS members during the period under review, 2022/23.
For the past fiscus, we recruited fifty-three (53) traffic learners, thirty-two (32) of whom are females and twenty-one (21) are males. They underwent a twelve (12) months training on Road Traffic Management Diploma in Mpumalanga Traffic Training College. Fifty-one (51) of them have completed the training and graduated in December.
These learners are currently appointed by the department as Traffic Wardens on a contract of three (3) months after which they will be absorbed permanently as Provincial Inspectors. They have been recruited from all the four (4) districts and their permanent appointment will hugely contribute to the reduction of youth unemployment whilst at the same time increasing law enforcement visibility on our roads. Remember, for now they are trained for 12 months. But in terms of MINMEC for transport decisions, after December 2024, they will be trained for three (3) years, that is for NQF Level 6.
As indicated in the last financial year Honourable Speaker, we have recruited seven (07) young people who have undergone training as Examiners of Driving Licenses and Examiners of Motor Vehicles. They were also trained at Mpumalanga Traffic Training College which makes us think that maybe it is time that we establish the North West Provincial Traffic College. But this is a subject for another day, a food for thought. But if we are allocated sufficient funding, it is practical.
We have opened doors for TVET Colleges to give their learners internship as part of their eighteen (18) months experiential learning through Work Integrated Leaming Programme. Currently we have thirty-four (34) students who are in this programme which will enable them to finally acquire their qualification and enter the job market.
Honourable Members, to ensure a serene working environment, as a department we are continuously ensuring that grievances are finalized within a stipulated timeframe. There are currently no precautionary suspensions and reported cases are at various stages of investigation including those handled by Law Enforcement Agencies. Once investigations are concluded, all necessary consequence management processes will be effected as would be recommended by the report outcomes.
We are currently implementing the approved Organisational Structure and are in the process of effecting the District Development Model (DDM) in all the four districts. Two Directors are already in place in Bojanala and Dr KK and two directors for Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr RSM and Chief Director Coordinating DDM will be appointed in an acting capacity and positions will be filled on or before the first (1st) of September on a permanent basis.
PROGRAMME 2 - PROVINCIAL CIVILIAN SECRETARIAT FOR POLICE SERVICES
Madam Speaker, in realising the mandate of the National Development Plan (NDP), the Department has strengthened its oversight role over the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Department has also coordinated social crime prevention programmes and mobilised communities and stakeholders in the fight against crime.
To this end the Department mobilized communities and stakeholders in implementing programmes across the four (4) Districts of the Province as per SAPS crime trends and patterns, which included but not limited to:
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, Prevention of Gender Based Violence Against Vulnerable Groups, Anti Gangsterism, School Safety Programme, Rural Safety, example stock theft, anti-dangerous weapons campaigns and Campaign against Substance Abuse.
- Programmes were implemented in partnership with key role players inclusive of civil society, FBOs, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), non-profit organisations (NPOs) and Government departments
- The Department further supported and funded thirty-nine (39) Non-Profit Institutions - Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and Non Profit Organisations (NPOs) to ensure that crime prevention initiatives are intensified in communities. A total of sixty-three (63) CPFs were assessed on functionality and capacity building workshops conducted in the four (04) Districts to enhance their ability to participate in the prevention of crime by implementing the Community Policing Strategy. It will assist us greatly if we could be appropriated more funds to enable us to pay stipends to CPF members from the next financial year.
Honourable Members, in strengthening the fight against crime, the Department collaborated with priority police stations through the Community in Blue programme and created temporary employment by appointing 400 Community Safety Patrollers across the four (04) Districts, through the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP).
Although there was a challenge in establishing and resuscitating Community Safety Forums (CSFs), the Department has conducted engagements and made presentations to the majority of Municipal Councils in securing resolutions to establish the structures in municipalities. To date, only two Council Resolutions were received from Kgetleng Rivier and Moses Kotane Local Municipalities.
SAPS Monitoring and Oversight
Madam Speaker, the Province gained two new police stations, which began operating in the financial year 2022/2023, and those are the Moeka Yuma and Mabeskraal Police Stations.
These stations assisted in reducing the load carried by Makapanstad and Sun City police stations respectively by bringing services closer to the communities they serve.
For the period under review, the Department conducted announced and unannounced visits at eighty-three (83) police stations to monitor front line service delivery. Honourable Speaker, the Department implemented the Court Watching Briefs Programme, aimed at enhancing professionalism within the SAPS and reducing the number of complaints emanating from police inefficiency at courts.
The programme was implemented at different Magistrate Courts within the Province and the results thereof are aimed at promoting professional policing and assist the work load of the courts to ensure that cases are not remanded due to SAPS inefficiencies. We have facilitated engagement sessions between the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID) and the SAPS, to monitor implementation of IPID recommendations by the SAPS. The recommendations by IPID are results of their investigations into allegations of misconduct levelled against SAPS members.
The Department's Policy and Research Unit conducted a project on Detectives, Stock Theft, Garages and Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units within the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Districts. The project focused on the performance trends, conviction and detection rates, resources and challenges at the Units.
Madam Speaker, during the financial year 2023/2024, the Department through the Provincial Secretariat for Police Service Chief Directorate, will continue to strengthen oversight on the SAPS, to promote relations between the police and communities. The Chief Directorate will further mobilise communities in the fight against crime, as per the provisions of the Civilian Secretariat Act no 2 of 2011.
Development of the Provincial Crime Prevention Strategy
Honourable Speaker, the Minister of Police has approved the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS) in 2022, which is the implementation tool for the White Paper on Safety and Security. In compliance with the implementation of the strategy, the Department will in this financial year 2023/2024 embark on coordinating stakeholders to develop the Provincial Strategy aligned to the ICVPS.
Creation of jobs through EPWP- Voluntarism
In implementing the Community Policing Strategy, the Department will continue with appointment of 400 community safety patrollers in the four (4) Districts in priority areas, targeting youth, women and vulnerable groups through the Incentive Grant received from Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
Prevention of Gender Based Violence against Vulnerable Groups
In response to the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F), the Department will continue to coordinate key role players in the fight against the scourge, through community engagements, dialogues, media campaigns, awareness programmes and partnership with community based structures targeting identified areas as per SAPS trends and patterns.
This will include monitoring implementation of the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) to ensure that there is compliance in servicing victims and survivors. The Department will further identify vulnerable groups in targeted areas for installation of household safety gadgets, as well as distribution of personal safety alarms to promote neighbourhood watch and increase the level of safety in the prevention of GBV and related crimes.
Madam Speaker, we continue to wrestle the brutal pandemic of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), however, a slight increase in the reporting of Crimes Against Women and Children was experienced due to awareness campaigns done in the Province. This resulted in the arrest of nine thousand and fifty-six (9 056) suspects. Thirty-three (33) life sentences were issued by the courts as a result of good work done by the police.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
Honourable Members, Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) focuses on designing systems to reduce the opportunity for crime and increase the ease of detection and identification of criminals. The Department in partnership with Municipalities, SAPS, CPFs and other key stakeholders, will implement Letsema activities in identified hotspots, and that will include but not limited to debushing, crime information boards, house numbering, etc.
The above projects will ensure compliance to regulations by the SAPS and improved service delivery to community members. Honourable Speaker, the South African Police Service derives its powers and functions from section 205 of the Constitution and from the South African Police Service Act (1995).
The above legislation, regulates the police service in terms of its core functions, which are to prevent, investigate and combat crime; maintain public order; protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property; uphold and enforce the law.
Honourable Members, it is as a result of the above content that men and women in blue continue to focus on improving community safety, reducing violence against women and children and combat organised crime. Following the commitment and hard work displayed by these men and women, for the year under review, we have arrested eighteen thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight (18 788) gender based violence suspects.
Illegal Mining
Honourable Members, we are faced with a rising number of illegal mining activities on the surface and underground closed-off, abandoned and in some cases operating mines. This is often carried out by organised crime syndicates. Having to work day and night to curb this criminal activity that bleeds our economy and compromise national security and integrity of our infrastructure, two hundred and fifty-eight (258) illegal miners have been arrested and 55 illegal firearms recovered.
Established Units
Madam Speaker, in addition to strengthening and capacitation of police service, we have successfully established four (04) new Provincial Specialised Units and they are:
- Murder & Robbery Investigation Unit
- Cold Case Investigation Unit
- Organised Crime Investigation Unit
- Visible Policing Anti-Gang unit
PROGRAMME 2 - PROVINCIAL CIVILIAN SECRETARIAT FOR POLICE SERVICES
Public Transport Services - Commuter bus subsidies
In the year under review, the department continued with the prov1s10n of subsidised commuter services in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Bojanala Platinum and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipalities. The department was faced with financial challenges due to the high costs associated with transport indices which were rebased by Statistics South Africa in 2021. A business case was made to the National Department of Transport which in its adjustment budget gave a further ninety-seven point seven million Rand (R97, 7) to address imminent accruals which have an impact on the budget.
The department is about to finalise the new route designs and costing for commuter services in three districts which have benefited from the programme since the inception of the contracted services around 2004. In addition, the department will also cater to all areas that were never included in the old order contracts, that is Dr Kenneth Kaunda beginning the next financial year.
Public Transport Services - Learner transport service
The provision of learner transport service has its own challenges such as the merging of schools, closing of schools and/or insufficient school infrastructure in townships where, learners are transported to farm schools. This is exacerbated by migration of communities to new settlements thus leading to learners requiring transport or adjustment in kilometres being travelled which is not what was initially anticipated and budgeted for.
In addition, some contracted operators who travel less kilometres cancelled their contracts due to the high operational costs which made the service unprofitable. The overloading of learners is also a serious challenge which places the safety of learners in jeopardy and this requires more buses and more funds.
Madam Speaker, the Department made a business case for an increase in the learner transport budget, and that was positively considered in the adjustment budget and a further allocation was appropriated during the second adjustment budget to the tune of seventy-eight (R78) million Rand. Previously the budget was three hundred (300) million Rand and now it has been increased to four hundred and fifty (450) million Rand. Thanks Treasury.
This financial year Madam Speaker, the department is intending to conclude a new learner transport contract. The tender has already been advertised and the appointment process is envisaged to be concluded by the end of the second quarter. We will be engaging further with the Department of Education to consider curbing excessive kilometres learners have to travel to access schools and encourage the placement of learners at boarding schools where the nearest school is beyond the reasonable distance.
Public Transport Services - Non-motorized transport
Honourable Members, the use of Non-Motorised Transport is promoted through the implementation of the National Rural Transport Strategy. To this end the Department distributed bicycles to learners who walk less than five kilometres to school and we have also donated Animal Drawn Carts (ADC) to communities who rely and use this mode of transport especially in rural villages that is the poor of the poorest. For the 2022/2023 financial year, the Department donated twenty (20) animal drawn carts in the villages of Dibona and Mmanawana outside Mahikeng. The donation was done at the request of the community which has for years been utilising the carts as a means of transport.
The department has continued with its support to the district and local municipalities in developing the Integrated Transport Plans and the establishment of transport components. Meetings have been convened for both Provincial and districts to assess performance of municipalities in relation to the provision of transport services.
Honourable Speaker, the North West Province continues to experience high volumes of freight trucks going through its corridors. The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management in collaboration with the National Department of Transport continue to fully participate in the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) Development as part of the Tripartite Alliance between South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
The Department completed Phase Two (2) of the construction of the perimeter fence at Pilanesberg International Airport and the installation of porta cabins for utilisation as temporary accommodation while the terminal building is being renovated.
Madam Speaker, the Department is still faced with a serious challenge in addressing non compliance to the regulations of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). The major challenge is the financial resources as the Department is not allocated sufficient budget to clear all the issues raised. There has been a slow progress as the department has to reprioritise and accommodate some of the items.
Coming GD Montshioa Airport, the contract with Roucomm Systems has been terminated few days ago. We are therefore engaging all the relevant stakeholder in the effort to attract investors. hence this ow enables us to advertise tender to get the best investor because we don't have money.
The Department working with Sun City is working towards resuscitating the Pilanesberg International Airport so that we can reactivate the scheduled flights operations. For this, we will require two hundred and eighty-five (285) million Rand. Honourable Speaker, for both airports, we will need one point two (1.2) billion Rand for complete renovations as option one. For option two, we need to engage investors for public private partnership. Already there had been several proposals we have received from private investors which we now will look close at as the Roucomm matter is finalized.
Public Transport Services - Commuter bus subsidies
For the financial year 2023/2024, the introduction of new contracts will enable the department to transform the mainstream public transport sector by allowing new entrants particularly the Small Bus Operators and Taxi Industry through integration of services. Small Medium and Micro Enterprises will also benefit through value chain services.
The department will continue to engage Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, the National Department of Transport and other stakeholders to pilot the first integrated public transport system in the district.
Non-Motorized Transport
As part of the implementation of the Rural Transport Strategy, The National Department of Transport, in collaboration with the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has allocated one thousand, four hundred (1400) bicycles which will be issued to deserving learners as identified by the Department of Education.
Transport Planning
Honourable Speaker, we will develop the Integrated Transport Plans for Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipalities including Local Integrated Transport plans for all their local municipalities. During these processes, the Department will capacitate youth with knowledge and experience on collecting data and conducting surveys on movement of public transport.
NORTHWEST TRANSPORT INVESTMENT (NTI)
Honourable Speaker, in recent times, the Northwest Transport Investment (NTI) has gone under intense scrutiny as it appeared in news for all the wrong reasons. For the past twenty six (26) years, the NTI has been operating on short-term interim contracts and this has resulted in the entity's inability to replenish its fleet.
These challenges were compounded by failure to comply with legislative framework of submitting the audit reports. Ultimately the entity requested the shareholder to allow it to apply for voluntary business rescue. The processes thereof were done and the Business Rescue Practitioner was appointed.
Honourable Speaker, it is not in my nature to complain or apportion blame but the BRP has proven to be aloof and in a word a 'law unto himself. He had from the word go, not shown any shred of respect to the authority bestowed by the legalities of state owned entities on the Shareholder representative. My observation is that he is divisive, does not cooperate and does not work within the principle of collective leadership. Since coming on board, he has displayed unrestrained indifference not only to the shareholder rep and the Department but also to the same NTI management he was supposed to work with.
He had on numerous occasions operated without following legislated due processes and has not even now submitted a plan which he should have submitted within twenty-one (21) as guided by the Companies Act.
He was supposed to have submitted the Business Rescue Plan on the 28th November 2022 which was the date he had asked for. On that day when he was supposed to submit the plan, he asked for yet another extension to the end March 2023. He had also failed to follow due process on Procurement and disposal of assets as per the dictates of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The Department went to Court to interdict him from auctioning some of the busses and we succeeded. Earlier this year, we went to court on an urgent application to remove him as BRP. Unfortunately, the Court has date is given as the end of August 2023.
In the meantime, we have been engaging the Department for Roads, Transport and Logistics in Gauteng. As is known, we do have the entity but Gauteng Province has the routes. In our engagement, we have tentatively agreed that they will give us the seven-year contract beginning this year, which will be extended by further three to make it ten years. This, I believe will ensure that the entity is completely turned around and self-reliant.
NOTING
This will be the first time in nineteen (19) years that the entity is given a long term contract. Honourable Speaker, a long term contract will also enable us to empower small micro and medium enterprises which is also part of an agenda for transformation. Lastly, the North West and Gauteng governments are on the verge of reviving the NTL
PROGRAMME 4 - TRANSPORT REGULATIONS
Madam Speaker, in September 2020, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to 'improving global road safety,' proclaiming the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2023, with the ambitious target of preventing at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
Progress made during the previous Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 has laid the foundation for accelerated action in the years ahead. Honourable Members, through the commitment, passion and hard work displayed by our road safety and law enforcement officers in the Province, we continue to accelerate action and record a steady progress towards achieving this Decade of Action.
In attribution to that, the recent festive and Easter Arrive Alive seasons, we achieved a significant reduction on road fatalities and incidents. During the last festive season, in December 2022, we deployed our traffic and road safety officers with strengthened capacity in all arterial roads of the Province, and this resulted in twenty-one percent (21%) reduction of fatalities. This is the biggest achievement and our officers deserve to be applauded.
Law Enforcement
Madam Speaker, this success was achieved through joint law operations with vanous stakeholders that include the South African Police Service (SAPS), Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), South African Revenue Services (SARS), Horne Affairs, Cross Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) and other key departments.
To underline the work done during these joint law enforcement operations, more than nine hundred and fifty-eight thousand (958 000) vehicles were stopped and checked for driver and vehicle fitness. More than one Hundred and thirty-seven thousand (137 000) summonses were issued for variety of traffic offenses. Of these, more than eighty-one thousand (81 000) summonses were issued in relation to illegal driver behaviour.
Honourable Members, out of the total number of fines issued, more than seventy percent (70%) remain unpaid for which warrants of arrests were issued for failure to appear in court. At least six thousand six hundred arrests (6 600) were made of which more than seven hundred (700) were for drunken driving.
Transport Safety Compliance
Madam Speaker, in an effort to contribute towards poverty alleviation, job creation and ultimately reduce number of crashes involving stray animals, the department has successfully appointed One Hundred and Thirty (130) Road Safety Rangers and Scholar Patrol Volunteers.
The appointment of these community members was done in partnership with local municipalities, traditional authorities and the farming unions. The budget allocated for this project was about three million and twenty-nine thousand Rand (R3 029 000.00)
Two hundred and thirty-six (236) road safety awareness campaigns have been conducted focussing on Pedestrian Safety, Cyclist Safety, Passenger and Driver Safety. These activities were conducted in an effort to create road safety awareness among all categories of road users in an effort to reduce road crash incidents and fatalities. In partnership with the Road Accident Fund (RAF), the Department has conducted Driver Skills Enhancement workshops focusing on Public Transport and emergency services drivers. The workshops were mainly focusing on advanced driving skills.
Honourable Speaker, we announced during the past financial year that we are going to intensify our efforts in addressing sporadic incidents of conflict and violence throughout the Province. In September 2021 we appointed the North West Public Transport Intervention Team (NWPTIT) in line with Section 10, (la) of the National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009. The Team investigated thirty-five (35) cases. It is with pleasure to report that twenty-nine (29) of these cases have been resolved, which translate into eighty-two percent (82%) achievement.
To ensure that this is maintained, the Department has entered into the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SANTACO, the mouth piece of the sector, the Provincial Taxi Council (PTC) and all Regional Taxi Councils (RTCs). The rationale behind this approach is to ensure no recurrence of incidents and pro activeness and stability within the sector.
The course for concern is the growing use of Private Security Companies and Taxi Patrol Squads that continue to show high risk on livelihoods, particularly hiking communities who want to reach their destinations quicker or faster and deem it fit not to queue at dedicated taxi ranks. Law enforcement will continue to monitor the hotspots and ensure that no one contravenes the law.
Honourable Speaker, the following projects were delayed due to the application for extension of time by the Department of Public Works and Roads though are now in the final stage and will soon be completed:
i. Upgrading of the Mogwase Driving Testing Centre
ii. Finalizing the Lichtenburg Weighbridge
Madam Speaker, we have set aside a budget of seven (7) million Rand for the upgrade of the Zeerust Weighbridge. Due to lack of money, the project will be done in phases for a period of three (3) years.
Honourable Members, to strengthen and extend law enforcement visibility during this financial year, we will intensify visibility on N4, Nl2, N14 and N18 in an effort to reduce fatal crashes and fatalities. To ensure we reach this goal, the Department has purchased 30 high powered vehicles to address the shortage of vehicles and increase traffic visibility on our roads. This is part of revamping our specialized unit, Jaws.
To ensure that the issued traffic fines are paid, we will deploy three (03) minibuses equipped with systems to identify motorists who failed to pay their traffic fines or to appear in court on the prescribed dates. These minibuses will be stationed in all four districts. So it's a game over for everyone who has an outstanding traffic fine, the law will be everywhere all over the Province.
Transport Safety Compliance
The Department will continue to strengthen relations with other sister departments, municipalities and business communities in an effort to have well-coordinated efforts initiatives to educate communities on road safety matters and further curb the carnage on our roads. We will further intensify road safety awareness activities at schools and various communities with more focus on pedestrian safety, strengthening monitoring of the Road Safety Rangers to ensure efficient operations and further reduction of road crashes involving stray animals.
IN APPRECIATION
Madam Speaker, I would like to thank:
The ANC for deploying me in the Sixth Administration
The Honourable Premier Bushy Maape, for appointing me as the MEC
EXCO for working together as a team
MPLs for their valued support
The Portfolio Committee Members for the oversight role
The acting Head of Department, senior management and the entire Team COSATMA
SAPS led by Lieutenant General Sello Kwena for ensuring the safety of our people
Support staff at the Office of the MEC
All stakeholders for working with us
And my family, relatives, friends and comrades for continuous support
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Honourable Speaker, let me remind the House of the wise words of Confucius; "he who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars tum towards it", close quote.
American basketball player, Michael Jordan says and I quote; "obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't tum around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." Honourable Speaker, we shall deliver services to the people.
Honourable Members, "great leaders serve you to deliver great results", or a leader must make the difference to the lives of the people he or she leads. Remember, the Holy Bible says Moses did not arrive at the promised land of Canaan, the land of milk and honey, his journey ended midway. Where we did not reach, our successors deployed by the ANC will complete the task.
THANK YOU!!!
