School transport associations join transport meeting at Florida Library
Many gather to discuss the compliance with rules and regulations for School Transport Services.
South Africans celebrated Transport Month in October.
Bheki Ziqubu, from the Siyazifukula Learner Transport Association, said as it is Transport Month, many transport associations came together at the Florida Library to discuss the importance of road safety. Siyazifukula, Kopanang Basebetsi and Soroda, among others, joined in the talk. In attendance were also JMPD, the police, the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca), and the Road Traffic Infringement Agency.
He noted they have a mother body that is known as the Greater Johannesburg Learner Transport Organisation.
“The burning issue was to recruit more people in the school transport industry to join associations … the campaign is helping us to comply with requirements for School Transport Services. Every year we have different challenges in this industry because we have new people who are joining us, knowing nothing about School transporting,” said Ziqubu.
Xolani Fihla, spokesperson for JMPD noted the main topics for the meeting included ‘unroadworthy vehicles, documentation from the drivers, illicit illegal substances and the absconding of learners from school’.
Fihla continued that JMPD informed the drivers of the importance of safety for themselves as well as the learners and other road users. Making them aware of the danger of not having a valid driving license as well as a Professional Driving Permit to transport passengers for payment. Another issue involved the drivers not dropping learners off at school, but rather taking them to parks where they engage in ‘improper and illegal activities such as smoking and drinking alcohol’.
He added Sanca addressed the issue as well as explained the danger of drugs to drivers, ‘who are believed to be selling drugs to the learners’.
The police said they will increase manpower around the parks in conjunction with JMPD to enforce the law. Members from the Road Traffic Infringement Agency also contributed by checking outstanding traffic fines and encouraging drivers to always check their fines to know their status.
“All the stakeholders agreed to the one goal of keeping the schools, learners and roads safe,” concluded Fihla.
