Santaco promotes road safety through Hlokomela programme in Bethal
Drivers were assessed to verify that their vehicles were roadworthy and that their operating permits, Professional Driving Permits (PDPs) and driver's licences were valid.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) national and Mpumalanga provincial leadership marked Transport Month in Bethal on October 20 through its Hlokomela (Take Care) programme, focusing on road safety, vehicle roadworthiness and compliance within the public transport industry.
Santaco leaders visited Bethal Mall and the Bethal Taxi Association taxi rank as part of ongoing Transport Month activities aimed at promoting responsible driving and ensuring that taxi operators comply with road traffic regulations.
Drivers were assessed to verify that their vehicles were roadworthy and that their operating permits, Professional Driving Permits (PDPs) and driver’s licences were valid.
The initiative sought to protect commuters and promote safer journeys.
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The programme also emphasised that road safety starts with every individual, encouraging taxi association members to lead by example by ensuring their own vehicles and patrol cars are roadworthy before inspecting other drivers.
Taxi marshals received training and were reminded of their responsibilities. Drivers were also given new assessment forms to complete before leaving the taxi rank.
According to Santaco, the proactive approach will help identify potential safety concerns early, simplify inspections by traffic
officers and ensure that taxis transporting commuters meet the required safety standards.
Members of the Vukanini and Kriel taxi associations, the Santaco Mpumalanga provincial council, Santaco national representatives, traffic officers and the police supported the initiative.
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The initiative distributed T-shirts to drivers who participated and presented their professional driving permits (PDP) and driver’s
licences for verification.
Mpumalanga Santaco secretary Petros Sibanyoni said the initiative demonstrated the importance of collaboration in building a safer, more responsible and compliant public transport industry.
“Through the Hlokomela programme, Santaco continues to champion road safety, responsible driving, and the protection of every commuter,” said Sibanyoni.
The programme forms part of Santaco’s efforts to encourage taxi operators to prioritise passenger safety, comply with traffic regulations and contribute to safer roads.
