The MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has launched the Public Transport Women’s Help Desk. The help desk will serve as a central point of support, advocacy, information and redress, where women can raise their voices, share their grievances and access the many tools needed to grow and thrive.

The MEC marked the moment as a journey towards justice, equity, and transformation in the public transport system.

“We are here not just to unveil a help desk, but to affirm our commitment to every woman who has ever felt invisible in this sector. We declare that the days of invisibility, silence and marginalisation of women are over.”

Diale-Tlabela called the launch a symbol of change, adding that it is both a practical response and a powerful symbol.

“For far too long, experiences of women in public transport, especially in sectors like the taxi, e-hailing, bus and learner transport industry, have been marked by silence, struggle and survival. We know the harsh truth in many cases where a woman only enters the taxi business as a widow, forced to step in after a tragedy, a loss of a spouse or companion. Hers is a role inherited, not offered. She has her authority questioned and is not respected.”

“It is time we move from symbolic gestures to substantive action. From just inviting women to the table, to giving them the space to lead and chart the path forward. From acknowledging their hardships, to actively dismantling the barriers that stand in their way.”

Diale-Tlabela urged all those in the public transport sector to recommit to a transport sector that recognises women’s full humanity and contribution, a sector where no woman must suffer loss before she is allowed to participate, a sector that invests in women’s growth, protects their dignity, and champions their leadership.

“Let this be the beginning of a new journey, a journey of respect, dignity, inclusion and empowerment, where public transport is not just a way to move from point A to point B, but a vehicle for real change.”