Public transport plays an important role in connecting communities across South Africa. Millions of people depend on taxis, buses and trains to travel to work, schools, hospitals, shops and other important places. It is equally important for people who do not own private vehicles.
Who are the major role players in this industry?
The picture is quite clear, although the figures differ depending on whether we are talking about taxi operators, bus companies, or the wider transport value chain. Black South Africans are the dominant players in the minibus-taxi industry.
This is supported by the Competition Commission’s report, which found that minibus-taxi businesses are majority Black-owned at both the operational and ownership levels. It described specifically the taxi industry as predominantly Black African, with operators and drivers largely being Black African.
Public transport business was historically associated with violence and conflict. How has the industry transformed over time?
The industry has historically experienced violence and conflict, particularly around routes and competition. Over time, government and industry stakeholders have introduced associations, regulatory structures and formal negotiations to manage the sector.
Reducing Truck Traffic to Improve Road Safety
The proposal to reduce the number of trucks on South African roads is an approach currently being considered by the government to improve road safety and address truck-related accidents.
This move would involve shifting some freight from road transport to rail, particularly on major freight corridors. This would reduce the number of heavy trucks sharing roads with taxis, buses and private vehicles, potentially improving road safety and reducing congestion.
Pongola Truck Crash: Case Study
On 16 September 2022, a coal truck collided with a vehicle carrying schoolchildren on the N2 near Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal. Twenty people were killed according to the subsequent High Court judgment: 18 children and two young adults.
The incident became an important example of the dangers associated with heavy trucks on major roads. An initial government investigation reported that the truck driver had overtaken several vehicles where overtaking was prohibited and identified driver error as a major contributing factor. However, a multifaceted approach would be required to implement this project because trucks remain essential to South Africa’s economy.
Read full article here: Truck driver in fatal Pongola crash appears in court | SAnews
What does the National Land Transport Act say about the Use of Bakkies as a mode of Transport.
Despite developments in South Africa’s public transport system, some rural and underserved communities continue to rely on bakkies as a mode of transport, largely because of limited access to formal and reliable public transport services.
Under the National Land Transport Act, bakkies may be used as public transport in particular circumstances where there is no other appropriate or acceptable public transport mode available.
Government’s Stance on the Transportation of Schoolchildren in Bakkies.
Regardless of the provisions of the National Land Transport Act, the government maintains a much stricter position on the transportation of schoolchildren in bakkies, particularly due to safety concerns.
Common Causes of Road Accidents on South African Roads.
Road crashes are caused by a combination of human, vehicle, road and environmental factors. Common contributors include speeding, reckless driving, fatigue, driving under the influence, vehicle defects, overloading, poor road conditions and inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations.
Road safety should not be prioritised only during Transport Month; it should be practised and promoted as a daily responsibility throughout the year. This Year’s Transport Month theme is centred around building a safe, sustainable, reliable and affordable transport.
The latest preliminary data from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) shows a continuing downward trend in South African road accidents and fatalities throughout 2026.
With the launch of the October Transport Month campaign, the Department of Transport renewed its commitment to reducing road accidents. The official target aims for a 45% reduction in road fatalities by 2029 and a 50% reduction by 2030.
Read full article here: South Africa renews target to halve road deaths by 2030