National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has stepped up to ensure the safety of learners, (Picture Credits: Sbusiso Wanda)
As the new school year kicks off, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has stepped up to ensure the safety of learners. On Friday, SANTACO conducted a special safety operation in Isiphingo aimed at making school transport safer for children.
The initiative, led by SANTACO’s Hlokomela campaign, focused on inspecting taxis and other vehicles used for transporting learners to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Officials checked the roadworthiness of vehicles, driver licenses, and Professional Driving Permits (PRDPs).
SANTACO Representative, Mabandla Mkhize emphasised on the importance of the operation and it’s effectiveness as there are new drivers on the road transporting learners.
“By doing this inspection, new drivers will be introduced to the regulations and safety precautions in order to avoid endangering practices like overloading and absence of PRDP’s to maintain road safety.”
The operation, conducted in collaboration with the eThekwini Metro Police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), uncovered concerning practices , ,including overloading and unlicensed drivers. Some vehicles were found using unsafe modifications, such as stacking buckets as makeshift seats to increase passenger capacity. Any violations were handed over to Metro officers or the NPA.
Daniel Hiralall from the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA), spoke on the alternative approach to ensure that learner safety is maintained.
Officials checking the roadworthiness of vehicles, driver licenses, and Professional Driving Permits (PRDPs), Picture Credits: Sbusiso Wanda)
“Likewise, as we have the Moja Cruise project which is active, added to the Public Transport sector is our next project that we’ve already initiated with SANTACO focusing on learner Transport because we believe that learners are important role players as kids. The sector transformation is still underway.”
Hiralall also stressed the importance of drivers’ dress code, wellness, and understanding their core role in transporting students. The operation is still underway.
