Provincial Transport Indaba in the midst of fatal accidents

Following the gruesome accident that claimed 26 lives on the N1 near Kranskop on Friday, Premier Stan Mathabatha joined by Transport and Community Safety MEC, Makoma Makhurupetje convened a Provincial Transport Indaba at Protea Hotel Ranch Resort today (Thursday) to give various stakeholders in the transport industry an opportunity to come up with ways to minimise road accidents and subsequent fatalities in Limpopo.
The gathering also aimed to address issues pertaining to the local economy and ways that could be used by the transport industry to help boost the economy. Mathabatha said he was shaken by Friday’s terrible accident and wished the four persons who had sustained serious injuries in the crash a complete and speedy recovery.
“We also wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of those who perished in this accident. Transport plays a far bigger and more important role than merely taking people from one point to the other. Transport is a serious catalyst for socio-economic growth and development. Transport brings about opportunities and improves the people’s quality of life,” he explained.
He added that the growth of any economy is largely dependent on the availability of effective and reliable transport system. Participants at the gathering were expected to draft resolutions which will guide the province on which steps to take to curb road accidents and boost the economy.
Provincial Government is expected to host a mass funeral for 23 of the victims in Senwabarwana on Saturday. The truck driver will be laid to rest in Ga-Chuene on the same day while a memorial service is to be held for the Bantjes couple tomorrow (Friday).

ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za