uMshwathi Local Municipality today held a successful Transport Month programme at the Wartburg Taxi Rank, bringing together various stakeholders in the transport sector, law enforcement, government departments and community representatives to promote road safety, responsible driving and collaboration in addressing transport-related challenges.
The programme was held in recognition of October Transport Month, which provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of safe, reliable and accessible transport services, while encouraging all road users to take responsibility for their safety and that of others.
The Mayor of uMshwathi, Cllr Mandla Zondi, encouraged all stakeholders to continue working together to improve road safety and strengthen the delivery of transport services within the municipality. He emphasised the important role that each stakeholder plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of the uMshwathi community.
The Mayor further expressed his appreciation to taxi owners for their continued cooperation, particularly for reporting poor road conditions that may pose a danger to motorists and other road users. He also urged taxi owners to continue exercising their responsibility by ensuring that drivers conduct themselves professionally, obey traffic regulations and refrain from reckless or dangerous behaviour on the roads.
The Department of Transport, in its address, urged all stakeholders and road users to remain vigilant and exercise caution whenever they are on the road. The department highlighted the role of human behaviour in road accidents, noting that, according to the information shared during the programme, approximately 80% of road accidents are attributed to human factors, while 20% are associated with environmental conditions. This served as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving, compliance with road rules and awareness of surrounding conditions.
The programme was attended by representatives from the following stakeholders: SANTACO; Swayimane, Dalton and United Taxi Associations; South African Police Service (SAPS); Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI); Hlokomela; uMgungundlovu District Municipality Traffic Services; Department of Social Development (DSD); Liquor Authority; uMgungundlovu District Municipality Fire Department; Department of Transport; representatives of religious leaders; and the Department of Health.
The gathering provided an important platform for engagement, cooperation and the promotion of a shared commitment to safer roads and responsible transport services. Through continued collaboration between government departments, law enforcement agencies, taxi associations and other stakeholders, the municipality seeks to encourage a culture of road safety and accountability among all road users.
uMshwathi Local Municipality calls upon all motorists, taxi operators, passengers, pedestrians and other road users to play their part in reducing road accidents by obeying traffic regulations, reporting road hazards, avoiding reckless driving and prioritising the safety of human life.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let us work together to make uMshwathi’s roads safer for all.