By Johnathan Paoli
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has emphasised the vital role of efficient transport systems in driving economic growth.
She has also highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to tackle the pressing issues within South Africa’s transport infrastructure.
Speaking at the Smarter Mobility Africa summit in Midrand on Wednesday, Creecy outlined the correlation between a well-functioning transport system and economic activity.
She said that inclusive and sustainable economic growth was a primary focus of the seventh administration, as discussed during the recent Cabinet lekgotla.
“Central to this goal is the prioritisation of infrastructure development and the ongoing reforms initiated under Operation Vulindlela,” she said.
Among the government’s key priorities, Creecy highlighted the return of all passenger rail corridors to service, the introduction of private sector participation in rail and port operations, and the development of a roadmap for the digital transformation of public services.
These initiatives aim to combat infrastructure crime, enhance border management and improve the overall logistics framework of the nation.
Creecy pointed out the findings of the 2020 National Household Travel Survey, which revealed a transport system that was struggling to meet the needs of the population.
“Many households are forced to allocate a larger portion of their income to unreliable and unsafe transport options. In fact, 20% of our people are walking to save money,” she said.
To address these challenges, Creecy underscored the necessity of leveraging new technologies, not only in mass infrastructure projects, but also in everyday service delivery.
She called for the digitisation of transport operations, including e-permitting, licensing and real-time road monitoring to enhance safety and efficiency.
The minister also praised the Gauteng Smart Mobility 2030 vision, which aims to position the province as a logistics hub through innovative solutions, including the digitisation of minibus taxi routes and the expansion of the road network.
“Revitalising our freight and passenger rail infrastructure is crucial for enhancing road safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.
Highlighting proactive measures taken by Prasa, Creecy mentioned the
implementation of smart security solutions to combat theft and vandalism of rail infrastructure.
Prasa has partnered with Huawei to employ an intelligent e-guarding perimeter system, utilising artificial intelligence to ensure the safety of rail operations.
Creecy also touched upon the importance of improving the logistics sector to stimulate economic growth.
She outlined the government’s strategies, including the Freight Logistics Roadmap and the National Logistics Crisis Committee, which focuses on enhancing the performance of the rail and port logistics systems through private sector collaboration.
“We must embrace the potential of new technologies to maximise opportunities for economic growth and ensure that all citizens benefit from our efforts. In a constrained fiscal environment, proactive measures are essential for addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century,” she said.
The summit brings together leaders, innovators and stakeholders to explore advanced transportation solutions aimed at fostering sustainable growth across the continent.
October is Transport Month in South Africa.
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