Chairperson, hon Minister, hon Deputy Minister and hon members here, I'd like to just concur with all the members in the House that have congratulated you on your appointment. I'd also like to inform the Deputy Minister that the department reported to us that they were very excited that you were appointed as Deputy Minister, because you are familiar with all the related matters, especially as part of the portfolio committee.
I'd also like to add to the words of welcome to the deaf, who are social auxiliary workers. It's their first time here in Parliament and they are from all over the country. So, welcome to them again. [Applause.]
The Department of Transport is mandated to provide an integrated, sustainable, reliable and safe transport system through safety and economic regulations, planning, development, co-ordination, promotion and the implementation of transport policies and strategies.
Chairperson, the eight minutes that I have been given for my speech do not do justice to the huge task and mandate covered by this department. However, my focus will be on public transport.
The National Household Travel Survey shows that in 2003 public transport was used by 7 million workers and learners. At least once a week 13,7 million people use public transport and the breakdown is as follows: About 1 million make use of trains; 2,6 million use buses; and about 10 million use minibus taxis, which is the reason we say that transport is obviously the heartbeat of South Africa's economic growth and social development.
Ordinary South Africans need public transport mainly to move from place to place; from home to the workplace; from the workplace back home again; from home to the shops; from the shops back home again. A good part of the department's budget - about 59,8% - is spent on public transport programmes. This amounts to R14,2 billion.
The department is committed to developing an integrated public transport system aimed at increasing transport efficiency and making improvements to existing services. In line with the department's commitment, the National Treasury added a further R6,4 billion for public transport roads and rail networks.
I, myself, have been travelling by public transport, namely the train and bus, since I was three years old. At about the age of five, I started travelling alone by bus and by train. I'm still using the system today.
One can imagine how old South Africa's transport infrastructure is and why an additional allocation over the medium-term includes R100 million for 2010-11, and R500 million in 2011-12 to the SA Rail Commuter Corporation for passenger rail infrastructure.
There is excitement in the country at present, as you indicated, Deputy Minister, about the 2010 Fifa World Cup. As the acting director-general, there is one deputy director who has been appointed to deal with this issue. I'm hoping that the department wants to leave a lasting legacy with this event. New development must not only cater for 2010, but must also benefit our people.
As hosts of the Confederations Cup, in preparation for the 2010 event, we got a score of 7,5 - not just 7 - out of 10 from Fifa President Sepp Blatter. One of the reasons for this score had to do with transport and the problems that we experienced, as you have mentioned, with the park-and-ride system.
Signage for us, as deaf people, is important. We need to know where people are going, and we would like the department to help the Local Organising Committee, LOC, to arrange for signage, please. That is important, especially at the park-and-ride sites at the stadiums. We, as deaf people, need an improvement in that regard.
What is important for us as the portfolio committee is for us to be in a state of readiness. We need to know, especially in the host cities, where the transport is going and where the stadiums are. This is especially important for the base camps; we need that signage.
What is important for me to mention here is that all modes of transport must be accessible for disabled people, and that is the bottom line. [Applause.] It is mentioned in the White Paper on the Integrated National Disabilities Strategy that the rapid mode of transport must be flexible and accessible, otherwise people with disabilities will continue to remain marginalised and not be visible. Lack of accessible transport is a serious barrier. We need full access to infrastructure and full integration into society.
In 2008, we ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as its optional protocol. We stated that we need to promote, protect and ensure that we have full access to and enjoyment of all human rights as disabled people. One of the key areas mentioned in that convention is accessible transport.
In March 2007, Cabinet approved the public transport strategy and action plan, and the Department of Transport provided a document on the implementation strategy to give guidance on accessible transport in South Africa. That document was up for discussion and was discussed in 2007. Phase 1 of this action plan talks about various projects that need to be focused on for 2011.
I now come to planning action. The planning process needs to be fully accessible. For example, corridors need to be fully accessible and there should be guidelines and specifications for our BRT system.
Before I conclude, I'd like to recognise Vincent Daniels who is blind and from Disabled People SA, DPSA. I've known him for a long time. He's been lobbying for accessible transport. Welcome to the House, Vincent. [Applause.]
The document that I just spoke about is now out for consultation and comments, and the closing date for such is 31 July 2009. I hope that the disability sector takes note of that. We need to be updated on the document regarding the implementation of policies to make transport accessible to all people. I know that the Department of Transport is in the process of making sure that the new stations, for example, are accessible, but we need to do much more.
I have experienced lots of difficulties during my train travels, and it is degrading when a person in a wheelchair cannot get into or off a train and has to ask for assistance - it's totally degrading. We have to look for assistance and sometimes there is nobody around. I think we should not allow that to continue. So, I would like the department to accelerate the process of making South Africa's transport system accessible to all. Hon Chairperson, we, as the ANC, support the Budget Vote. Thank you very much. [Applause.]