Ammended public transport directions leaves town in havoc
The town is filled with people wearing no protective gear, standing in lines tightly pressed against one another and stores flooded
BURGERSFORT – Thousands of individuals are flooding the R37 in order to enter the town to not only collect social grants, but also to buy necessary items.
The so called quiet town of the past few days erupted as people take to the streets. Filling stations, supermarkets and convenient stores have lines 10 meters out the door. If you have what you need, you are kindly advised to stay home.
Also read: Corona tips as per Steelburger
All should keep in mind that this is still a period of lock down, and all measures of safety should be adhered to. Unfortunately people in lines are seen without masks and standing tightly against one another. This is to remind all members of the public that a distance of one meter is required between people at all times.
Below we attach the press release stating the reason for the relaxed travel hours. This will continue until Friday. Keep safe out there.
MINISTER MBALULA REALAXES PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATING HOURS FOR SOCIAL GRANT BENEFICIARIES
Following the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the days social grants would be paid, a number of industry bodies has made representations on the relaxation of hours public transport vehicles are allowed to operate. A similar request was made by the Minister of Social Development, Minister Lindiwe Zulu.
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.
Effective from tomorrow, 30 March 2020 until Friday, 3 April 2020, buses and taxis will be permitted to operate from 05:00 until 20:00 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.
Issued by:
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
