On Tuesday, 16 May, City of Joburg, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), Gauteng Transport Department and other stakeholders held a scholar transporter road safety campaign opposite BP Sheffield in Lenasia South Ext 4 to commemorate the UN Global Road Safety Week which runs from 15 to 21 May each year.
By Lebohang Ndashe – Intern
Scholar transport operators from Greater South Scholar Transport Coordinators, OFUTA and others who are non-affiliated discussed various issues ranging from learners’ safety, time management, road worthy vehicles, drunk driving, loud music and unethical practices amongst others.
Addressing the attendees, Gauteng Police Department of Community Safety’s, Dineo Maseko, emphasised the importance of learner and vehicle safety and time management in picking and dropping off learners.
She also raised the issue of transporters exchanging learners which most parents are unaware of.
“You are transporting the future of this country and parents trust you enough to place the safety of their children in your hands, so please act accordingly,” said Maseko.
Lenasia South scholar transporters promised change in the area, one official said: “This thing of pupils sitting in vehicles during school hours is going to end, there will be consequences to the driver, we are going to deal with you!”
Transporters who break the rules will have their vehicles stopped from operating by squad cars from the scholar transporter association belonging to that area. Officials were urged to sort out their grievances and conflicts while drivers were told to always look presentable and keep their vehicles clean at all times.
