The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has officially concluded the launch of October Transport Month, highlighting the need for an integrated, sustainable, and safe transport system across the province.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has officially concluded the launch of October Transport Month, highlighting the need for an integrated, sustainable, and safe transport system across the province.
The event, held at Namakgale Community Hall, was preceded by a high-impact law enforcement operation at the R71 junction to Namakgale, which yielded notable results. A total of 350 vehicles were stopped, resulting in 31 fines, eight impounded vehicles, and two arrests — one for operating an unroadworthy vehicle and another for exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h.
Addressing attendees, MEC Susana Violet Mathye underscored the transport sector’s pivotal role in driving economic growth and inclusive development.
> “We are now 31 years into democracy and have inherited some transport capacity that, while functional, excluded far-flung communities. It is our duty as the state to ensure that everyone — from children to the elderly — has access to safe and reliable transport,” she said.
MEC Mathye also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to reviving rail infrastructure, including the development of a speed rail link between Polokwane and Pretoria, in partnership with the Gauteng Province.
> “We are working with Gauteng to establish a speed rail between Polokwane and Pretoria. We already have a network that is underutilized — and it’s time to make it work for our people,” she added.
On road safety, the MEC issued a stern warning to transport operators, especially within the scholar transport sector, to comply with the law and prioritize passenger safety.
> “We will not tolerate negligence or recklessness on our roads. Operators must ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and their passengers protected,” she cautioned.
She also addressed ongoing challenges within the e-hailing industry, urging operators to register and obtain permits, while calling on taxi associations to refrain from extorting money from e-hailing drivers.
> “We encourage e-hailers to comply by applying for the necessary permits, and we urge taxi associations to allow them to operate freely and lawfully,” MEC Mathye stated.
Concluding her remarks, she reminded motorists to exercise patience and responsibility.
“Cars are meant to make life easier, not to be a source of sorrow. We only need to change our attitude and learn to be patient,” she said.
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The October Transport Month campaign will seamlessly transition into the Safer Festive Season campaign, running until January 2026, with a continued focus on promoting safer roads, efficient mobility, and economic opportunities through improved transport systems.
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