The Inkatha Freedom Party believes that driver negligence and overloading contributed to the accident that killed 19 people in the KwaXimba area.
“We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wish those injured a speedy recovery. The IFP is of the view that such tragedies could be avoided if those who hire public transport and the owners of such vehicles are responsible inn their dealings. We need not to shy away from the truth that while taxi drivers are very negligent in the way they drive, those hiring the taxis must ensure that they make adequate provision in the number of taxis hired so as to avoid overloading.
It is high time now to stop criticising government whenever there is an accident like this one because even community members are contributing immensely to road accidents. The truth must be told without fear or favour. We need to be bold and not treat people who don’t listen with soft gloves because everyone knows that it is dangerous to travel in an overloaded passenger vehicle. Whenever there is an accident the driver is blamed and the passengers escape the blame,” said IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL.
“The IFP proposes that government needs to address all organisations such as schools, churches, sports bodies and all other community organisations that hire public transport to create awareness around issues such as overloading, roadworthiness of vehicles, competence of drivers and safe travelling times. There is no need for passengers to put their lives at risks. Instead of government spending thousands of rand on funerals for people who boarded an overloaded public transport, it could use such funds to educate people on safety and thereby reduce the carnage on our roads,” continued Mr Gwala.
“We call on the police to thoroughly investigate whether this taxi was roadworthy or not. If it was not the owner must be held accountable for his negligence. We must not allow our people to be transported on moving coffins. Unroadworthy vehicles must be eradicated from our roads.
We also encourage people to ensure that they hire roadworthy vehicles for their trips. Before they make any form of payment they must demand a recent roadworthy certificate and enquire about the competence of the driver,” concluded Mr Gwala.
Issued by:
Mr Blessed Gwala MPL
IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature
078 290 5842
