War-rooms are reactionary, address the basics first Minister Mbalula

26 June 2019

The IFP notes the establishment of Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula’s war-rooms within the ministry in order to address the scourge of road accidents and deaths on our national road and rail infrastructure.

While we commend the Minister for his tough talk and efforts in trying to keep our roads and other transport networks safe, we believe that his approach is reactionary and talkshops won't address the high number of deaths on our roads. The transport sector requires less talking and more action. Minister Mbalula should be proactive in taking measures to ensure that all road users are kept safe. 

The IFP proposes that the minister go back to basics in his approach, we reaffirm that a back to basics approach is required to address the root causes of accidents on our roads. The lack of driver education, driver well-being and law enforcement have over the past few years been wanting. 

We believe that learner driving in schools must form part of life orientation within the school curriculum. 

Furthermore, random sampling for re-testing of existing driver’s licenses on the basis of a lottery system would also ensure that drivers are always aware and up to speed with their road rules and driving abilities. 

The IFP challenges the taxi and bus industry for greater training of drivers and stricter measures for the issuing of PDPs to drivers. The for profit-driving industry should be mindful of their role on the roads and those who they transport. 

Minister Mbalula would do well to heed our calls for understanding and addressing the fundamentals within his department. The IFP will work to hold the Minister and the department accountable for their actions and to ensure the safety of all South Africans on our roads and railway networks.

Issued by KP Sithole, IFP Spokesperson on Transport, 26 June 2019