We must put brakes on killer taxi drivers
South African leadership lacks integrity
JOE Maswanganyi, our transport minister, justifiably expressed shock at the recent taxi tragedy where young lives were lost because of one reckless driver. Millions of South Africans have experienced the selfish, reckless, bullying, dangerous and unlawful behaviour of minibus taxi drivers on our roads.
The carnage will continue until the authorities ensure: 1 Taxis are limited/governed to a speed of 80km/h. 2 Taxi drivers caught performing dangerous acts on our roads have their taxis impounded immediately and public transport licences suspended for a year. 3 Taxis flying down “yellow lanes” to avoid traffic jams and congestion are immediately impounded. 4 A taxi driver caught using his cellphone while commuting passengers is taken off the road immediately. 5 A taxi driver obstructing traffic while loading and offloading passengers is taken off the road immediately. 6 Speeding taxis are impounded immediately. 7 Unroadworthy taxis are impounded. 8 Taxis driving through red traffic lights are impounded.
Take note that all offences result in taxis being impounded. This will eliminate the opportunity for bribery with officials. Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi needs to be firm on taxi transgressions.
Offending taxi drivers should be compelled to attend a three-month driver rehabilitation and safety course.
Lastly, all taxi drivers, before being allowed on to the road, must be sent on a course that teaches them that all road users are equal and taxis do not always have the right of way – and helps them understand courtesy.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if one of our transport ministers implemented these measures, instead of repeatedly offering condolences every time a taxi driver kills passengers and innocent road users? DEREK KRUMMECK
umhlanga THE current political environment has again proven this country needs leaders of integrity, like Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, more than before.
He has warned so many times that political leaders should not make empty promises but the ANC, through President Jacob Zuma, has ignored his warnings.
Prince Buthelezi talks about the importance of serving the country and not being ashamed of our failures.
Yet each time Zuma addresses the nation through his parliamentary speeches, he says: “We have a good story to tell.”
Is the high rate of unemployment a good story to tell? Is the unimaginable level of crime a good story to tell? Is the corruption in government a good story to tell?
This country needs leaders who are not only honest and principled but who will never forget that they are there to serve instead of to seize opportunities that benefit themselves and their families. We do not need people who lie and say they serve the masses, and instead put themselves first at the expense of the poor.
History will continue to prove Prince Buthelezi right because he stands on principles when others become political weathercocks instead of facing the political challenges. NONTSIKELELO XHASA
Grahamstown