THE MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mcebisi Jonas, has urged stakeholders attending a transport summit to monitor and hold the government accountable.
"Our competitiveness hinges on the efficiency of the transport system. It must not look good simply on paper, it must rather look good on its implementation," Jonas said.
The MEC was speaking in Port Elizabeth yesterday at the start of a two-day transport summit.
The main objective of the gathering is to gain input in preparation for the Provincial Integrated Public Transport Master Plan (PIPTMP) being developed by the Transport Department.
It hopes to create a forum to discuss the desired future of the public transport system in the province and come up with strategies for that vision to be achieved.
The theme for the summit is "Better Public Transport for a Sustainable Future".
Today, delegates will engage in discussions and presentations regarding alternative vehicle technology for rural areas, improvement to public transport for a greener province, as well as funding models for the initiatives presented.
The summit is being attended by several government and civil society officials, and leaders from the bus and taxi industry and business fraternity.
Jonas said it was important for the transport sector to critically examine its readiness.
"We must radically accelerate it and I urge stakeholders to monitor and hold us accountable," he said.
Transport, Roads and Public Works MEC Thandiswa Marawu said the summit was the fulfilment of the promises she made during her presentation during last year's policy speech relating to the PIPTMP.
"It is gratifying to observe the presence of different stakeholders, particularly the bus and taxi industry, in order to share experiences and business models that can transform the rudimentary approach of doing business," she said.
Marawu said the government had levelled the ground for participation in the economic transformation process of the country, including the transport sectors.
"In moving forward, we will hear less about buses, taxis and trains. We will talk about the transport industry and we call upon all role-players to gear up for the integrated approach and start working together," she said.
