FOLLOWING many concerns about transportation during the social grant pay out,  Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula announced that he would relax public transport rules to accommodate them.

Mbalula said in a statement that following the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa about the days social grants would be paid, a number of industry bodies made representations on the relaxation of hours public transport vehicles are allowed to operate.

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A similar request was made by the Minister of Social Development, Minister Lindiwe Zulu.

Currently, as part of the national lockdown (aimed at slowing the spread of the Covid-19 virus), public modes of transport are allowed to operate from 5am – 9am and again from 4pm – 8pm.

“Having considered Minister Zulu’s request and representations made by various industry bodies, including the taxi industry, I have decided to amend the Public Transport Directions in order to accommodate grant beneficiaries,” said Mbalula.

Effective from today, 30 March 2020 until Friday, 3 April 2020, buses and taxis will be permitted to operate from 5am until 8pm in order to cater to the transportation needs of society’s most vulnerable.

“The exercise of social distance by all those using public transport must be observed and enforced. We will issue further directions in this regard.

“Grant recipients are required to carry their Identity Documents and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) cards when travelling on public transport, to assist law enforcement efforts,” said Mbalula.

The public transport was allowed to commute people from 5am to 9am and 4pm to 8pm.

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