Northern Cape puts Transport Month into gear

CAREER opportunities in aviation, a fun walk to promote non-motorised transport, and a bicycle exercise are some of the activities planned for the Northern Cape this October as part of Transport Month. The theme for this year’s celebration is "Together, let us grow the economy and celebrate 30 years of democracy."

The Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety, and Liaison, Bentley Vass, along with the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, launched Transport Month at the N12 Weighbridge outside Kimberley on October 7.

The event was also attended by dignitaries from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, the Sol Plaatje Municipality, the Frances Baard District Municipality, local taxi associations, and senior SAPS officers.

Vass emphasised the vital role transport plays in driving economic growth.

“In order to ensure the safe passage of goods, minerals and commuters, the transport system must be efficient and effective,” he stressed.

Vass highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to improving school attendance through sustainable transport initiatives, stating, "In order to ensure learner attendance at schools, 20,000 bicycles were handed to learners, and this initiative will continue."

Vass acknowledged taxi associations and bus transport and encouraged the improvement of relations by understanding and acknowledging their respective challenges.

The MEC issued a stern warning about the government's zero-tolerance approach to misconduct in the transport sector.

“We warn all road users that fraud and corruption will not be tolerated within the transport sector. Law enforcement agents and the public are urged to report perpetrators of such crimes. We further encourage the public, law enforcement agencies, and road users to participate in the planned activities to promote awareness regarding road safety,” Vass advised.