The Department of Transport website states that transport plays a crucial role in economic growth and social development.
This is why Western Cape Minister of Mobility Daylin-Gary Mitchell visited the head office of SA Taxi in Randjespark on October 5 to mark October Transport Month.
October Transport Month is to raise awareness of the important role of transport in the economy and to encourage participation from civil society and businesses to provide a safe, affordable, accessible and reliable transport system in the country.
The theme for this year’s Transport Month is Together, we move South Africa forward. The campaign highlights all modes of transportation, road safety, and development and services related to transportation.
This year, a special focus has been given to infrastructure challenges within the transport sector and how to better manage issues such as the ever-rising cost of fuel and its effects on the economy.
Mitchell was warmly welcomed by SA Taxi chief government and industry officer Matsidikanye Moswane. A tour of the SA Taxi warehouse and interesting and informative interaction with staff members were among the highlights of his visit.
“The business [SA Taxi] has a large stockholding of new and used parts and everything taxis need to look and perform better on our roads,” said Mitchell.
He said collaboration was key with all stakeholders to ensure safe, reliable and affordable public transport. “When I said I am re-imaging mobility in the Western Cape, I mean it. Watch this space as we give effect to creating the first of its kind in South Africa,” he said.
Local taxi driver William Kunene spoke to Midrand Reporter and said, “The taxi business is important because it allows us to transport more people than most other forms of transportation. Even though some say we drive recklessly, we make sure our parents get to work on time.
“Currently, load-shedding is taking place, resulting in robots not functioning which causes traffic. We cannot wait in traffic because for us, these roads are our work grounds to transport people to and from work, hence we are accused of driving recklessly.”
Kunene concluded that it was important for people to recognise Transport Month as it increased road safety awareness and celebrated the critical role transport played in shaping our economy.
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