Lolo Madonsela
As South Africa celebrates October Transport Month (OTM) throughout this month, the awareness in Vryheid is being led by SANTACO and the Provincial Department of Transport. They are putting emphasis on the protection of women and children in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
Addressing the crowds gathered at Vryheid Plaza, Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu said that taxi ranks should feel like a place of safety for women. “What have women done to be subjected to so much abuse and killing in this country? As men, we need to protect our women; protect women in the taxi rank – they must feel safe when they are here,” said Prince Nhlanganiso. He said he appreciated the work done by the taxi industry and urged them to “care for the people you transport every day, because one life lost is too many. The loss of lives does not affect only families, but also the King. Therefore ensure the safety of his people and care for them.” Coming from the Department of Health, Prince Nhlanganiso further encouraged men to go for circumcision. “Those of you who are not circumcised, please do so, because it is important for your own health and it minimises your chances of contracting HIV, but also remember to condomise.”
The protection of women was echoed by Acting Mayor Mncedisi Maphisa, who said, “Let us protect our women; it is our duty as men to do so. Let us stop gender-based violence. Let us talk about the issues that lead to such barbaric acts in order for us to be able to fight this.”
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He gave his appreciation to the taxi industry in Vryheid for not being involved in the bloodshed. “For so many years, the taxi industry has been known for riots and killings, but that has improved over the years. For as long as I can remember, we have not had a bloodbath in Vryheid caused by the taxi industry. I would like to applaud you for ensuring the safety of your passengers and communities; this makes our work as local government easy, so we can focus on service delivery matters instead of trying to diffuse fights among yourselves that leads to many lives lost and a disruption of service delivery. In Vryheid, you have been a good example in ensuring that there are not taxi-related riots,” said Maphisa.
He also touched on the Covid-19 lockdown, which saw taxis only being allowed to load seven passengers. “When the lockdown came into effect and you had to cut down on your passengers, we felt your pain because it was a huge financial loss, not only for the owners but also the drivers. It made one wonder how you were managing to pay salaries and support your families at the same time with such a restriction. However, we are grateful that you are now back to full capacity. As we celebrate Transport Month, I would like to encourage you to always care for your passengers and continue doing the great work you are doing. We very much appreciate your service and I am also one of the people who uses public transport when I’m home in Hlobane. The dedication you show to your work, we appreciate it,” added Maphisa.
The OTM commenced with a roadblock at Ematafuleni near Lakeside, where different governmental departments took part in the awareness campaign. People were also educated on the importance of hand sanitizing, the wearing of masks and social distancing. The Road Transport Inspectorate also ensured that people were driving roadworthy vehicles and were adhering to all the road rules.
Chairperson of SANTACO in Zululand, Sbu Zwane, said the purpose of the event was to create awareness around the importance of transport in the economy, as well as to encourage safety on the roads – especially the taxi industry, which is a major mode of transport for many people.
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