The month of October is recognised as ‘Mobility month’, and this initiative, which is in its nineteenth year, aims to highlight the crucial role that the transport sector plays in the province.
COURTESY: SAPSWestern Cape
authorities says the 2024 focus will be on promoting safety across all modes of
transport, with particular attention to tackling extortion in the sector.
The Western Cape
Government (WCG), alongside the South African Police Services (SAPS), Passenger
Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and the City of Cape Town, launched
Mobility Month 2024 at the Bellville Transport Interchange on Tuesday, and went
on a walk-about to the various transport hubs at the interchange.
“Extortion is a crime gaining in prominence nationally, and
unfortunately the Western Cape has not been spared the scourge. The WCG is working
with the SAPS, LEAP officers, municipalities, and other stakeholders to act
very firmly against extortionists. We have been encouraged by the progress we
have seen but there is still a long road ahead of us” said Anroux Marais,
Western Cape Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC.
Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku said the
development of an integrated public transport network will make transport
affordable to all people.
‘’We understand that most people in marginalised areas
depend entirely on existing transport modes to get to work, schools, places of
worship and recreation. One of my key priorities is to facilitate the
development of a transportation network which is cheaper, faster, and safer.”
“We decided to come to Bellville as three modes of
transport - rail, minibus taxis, and buses - are all operating from here. This
hub of transport is vital to the movement of people and goods across the City.
An integrated and reliable transport network is a catalyst for economic growth
and job creation" added Sileku.
COURTESY: SAPSThe group also visited
taxi ranks and bus stops and spoke to commuters about the importance of the various
public transport modes. Officials concluded the visit with a train ride to Cape
Town.
SAPS Cape Town District Commissioner, Major General Vincent Beaton, encouraged residents to call and report extortion to the dedicated SAPS toll free number on 0800 31 44 44.
Done by: Mitchum George
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