A key priority for the next financial year will be the stabilisation and improved governance of the Department of Transport and its entities.

This was highlighted by the new Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, in her maiden Budget Vote speech in Parliament yesterday (Monday, July 15).

She was candid in acknowledging the challenges facing the transport sector, emphasising the need today for an “efficient and functioning transport sector” that moves people and goods safely, speedily and affordably across the length and breadth of our country.

“This is the key to a successful economy,” she said, adding: “In recent times there has been a disconnect between this vision and the realities of our transport system and national Transport Department. Our sector is not operating as either an effective economic facilitator or a much-needed social service.” 

Some of the greatest challenges, according to Creecy have beendysfunctional port terminals as well as congestion at strategic border crossings and key national highway corridors.

“Our road systems deteriorated throughout the country and many provinces failed to execute maintenance and new build programmes, resulting in unspent funds being returned to National Treasury.

“Immediate attention will be given to the critical issue of underspending by both Departmental entities and Provincial Departments on finances allocated for road maintenance and construction,” said Creecy.

Key priorities

Other priorities outlined by Creecy include investing in green energy infrastructure, promoting the uptake of alternative fuels such as biogas and green hydrogen, extending the rail network to provide alternative public transport, and developing “green procurement guidelines”, which will promote low-carbon technologies.

“Implementation of the Green Transport Strategy will be a priority for our department in this term of government,” she said.

Furthermore, over the next decade, transport will also be revolutionised by an acceleration of digital technology. According to Creecy, new technologies, and new global imperatives will fundamentally alter the skills requirements of those employed in the transport sector as well as open up new value-chains for new forms of economic access, ownership and employment.

“Such innovations include the use of artificial intelligence in traffic management, and the introduction of self-driven vehicles,” said Creecy.

Underpinning the need for road safety as another priority, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, said: “The Government of National Unity and the Ministry will ensure transport sector cooperation to ensure we can realise the mission and vision of ensuring that our transport sector continues to serve as a cornerstone of development, growth, progress and prosperity for generations to come.”