Proposal for safe pupil transport system
oMalume to link up with taxi associations.
THE transportation of schoolchildren in overloaded bakkies (oMalume) – a common sight on our roads – might soon become a thing of the past.
If proposals are accepted, bakkies, vans and micro-buses will soon be merged into the mainstream taxi industry and vehicle owners will be required to register with local taxi associations.
This was revealed by SANTACO KZN Chairperson BB Zondi at a transport summit in Empangeni Town Hall last Tuesday.
Zondi said SANTACO, together with the Transport Department and oMalume representatives are engaged in negotiations to find ways of transporting schoolchildren safely and incorporate them into the mainstream taxi industry.
‘We requested oMalume to link up with their local taxi associations and to stop using unsafe bakkies and vans to transport children. Together with the Transport Department we will help them find finance to buy proper microbus taxis,’ Zondi added.
Some oMalume operators told the Zululand Observer they are not happy with such a suggestion.
‘All they are trying to do is to stop us from plying our trade. This is also a way for the government to force us to pay taxes,’ said one operator.
They claim they don’t make a lot of money from this kind of work and won’t be able to afford normal taxis.
PHOTOS: STEVEN MAKHANYA
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