Experts and stakeholders in the South African transport sector addressed the considerable challenges faced within the industry at a recent meeting in Johannesburg. The focus was on the impact that technology played as a key factor in transforming the industry to improve the lives of people and their communities.

Sahmeer Allie, an engineer at Systems, Applications and Products (SAP) Africa, said that technology could provide data which could be analysed to provide “safe and reliable transport”.

He noted that the country had one of the most modern transport systems in the world, that included modes such as the Gautrain, however continued to explained that although the train was efficient and reliable, once passengers disembarked, other transport services still presented problems.

“We have the services. It is all about bringing them together,” he said.

Industry experts acknowledged the need to transform the sector using technology, however correct and efficient management of the sector was also a key factor mentioned that would help to increase the sector’s potential.

Taxis pose major challenges to transport sector

The taxi industry has been identified as the ‘Achilles heel of the industry’ and is clouded by negative perceptions.

Measures have been adopted by the industry to remedy its tarnished image and improve its management, according to Thabiso Molelekwa, South African National Taxi Council spokesperson.

Action taken against ill-disciplined drivers was being addressed by the association and law enforcement, while noteworthy drivers were being rewarded, Molelekwa said.

He highlighted the central role played by the taxi industry in South Africa’s economy when he said: “Even during the toughest of economic times, we still transport some 16 million people without fail every day.”

He also pointed out that the industry annually contributed R4 bn to the economy.

Lack of skills in the industry

Allie said a lack of skills had made it difficult to maintain the sector. CEO at the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA), Maphefo Anno-Frempong, weighed in on this.

She said the taxi industry needed to embrace skills training in order to contribute to the Skills Development Levy, this way, members of the taxi industry could benefit from empowerment projects.

Head of research at the Railway Safety Regulator, Dr Cornel Malan said that South Africa should have a transport system that was planned according to the needs of its commuters, while Roy Alves, Axis Communications country manager, praised South Africa for the strides it had made in the transport sector, especially with the country’s incorporation of technology.