Date: 17/10/2006
Source: Department of Transport
Title: Radebe: Signing of Declaration of Intent by South African Petroleum Industry


Address at the signing of the Declaration of Intent between South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) and Department of Transport (DoT) by Mr Jeff Radebe, MP Minister of Transport, Sandton Convention Centre

Programme Director
Chairperson of SAPIA
Senior Executives from oil companies
President of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), Mr A J Mthembu
Executive Members of Santaco
Road Freight Association (RFA) Chairperson, Ms Thandeka Mgoduso
RFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Sharmini Naidoo
Executive Member of Southern Africa Bus
Operators Association (Saboa), Mr Sydwell Nche
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen

I am highly honoured to be part of this occasion. It is encouraging that we are gathered here to witness the signing of the Declaration of Intent by the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) to ensure strong commitment to road safety and responsible use of the road infrastructure. We believe this partnership will go a long way in creating and ensuring safety on our roads and also on using safe vehicles for the transportation of goods.

The human toll due to road accidents is very tragic and has caused a lifetime of psychological and physical suffering to most of our families. In addition to the devastating human toll, the economic impact of road crashes is also enormous and many of those who are killed are wage earners, leaving a number of families destitute.

For government to make progress in traffic safety, the support of road users and key sectors of the economy such as the petroleum, bus, taxi and trucking industries is very significant. Government continues to be fully committed in ensuring that our people are safely transported on our road network.

A week ago, Cabinet approved our national road safety strategy. The Intelligent Transport System is also in full operation on the Ben Schoeman Highway. In Durban, yesterday, we also launched the Incident Management System which will go a long way in contributing towards road safety.

Our concerted effort in the provision of reliable, sustainable and safe transportation of people and goods is key to the growth of the economy. Our economy today is largely driven by road freight haulage. For the trucking industry to drive the economy we require a constant and reliable supply of fuel. We also require high safety standards. Without these aspects there is no economy in the modern world that can survive.

In April this year 265 018 trucks were moving our country's freight. Of this number, 28 432 were found to be un-roadworthy. This state of affairs has negative effects on the road infrastructure and road safety. On average 13 000 people die on our roads every year, 6,56% of these fatalities being as a result of accidents involving trucks.

The partnership with SAPIA is therefore a demonstrable indication and example that many sectors, both inside and outside government, can make a valuable contribution to road safety. The parties signing the declaration of intent endorse our national road safety strategy as approved by both the Transport Lekgotla and Cabinet.

SAPIA is working towards developing requirements and measures in line with the strategy. By putting the signature on the declaration, SAPIA which consists of BP, Chevron, Engen, PetroSA, Sasol, Shell and Total, is making an undertaking to ensure that:

* their vehicles will not exceed speed limits
* no drivers are to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
* all their professional drivers are to undergo relevant training and refresher courses
* their vehicles are equipped with seatbelts and that drivers wear them
* only safe vehicles are to be used for the transportation of goods.

As part of monitoring and evaluation SAPIA will:

* keep records of drivers fined for speeding and alcohol abuse
* report on how the driving abilities and skills of drivers are improving
* keep records of vehicles that have been checked and tested for roadworthiness
* support my Department in promoting road safety
* allow government to monitor progress on these initiatives.

What is even more encouraging about this initiative is that road safety will be promoted from within the companies so that when drivers go out on the road they are aware of their responsibilities and the consequences of reckless behaviour on the roads. Drivers should not be put under pressure to break traffic rules whilst chasing profits, with an unrealistic target of trips to be made.

This declaration of intent is a first of its kind in South Africa, whereby the industry voluntarily agrees to monitor and take steps to ensure safety on our roads. Let me take this opportunity to thank all the members of SAPIA for this great initiative. Self-regulation is very important in an environment where resources are scarce.

Let me also make an appeal and encourage other companies to follow this example. I am hoping that the taxi and bus industries are looking at this initiative with great envy. Safety records in their industries must be greatly improved as they transport the majority of our people on a daily basis.

In closing I wish to indicate that later this month we will start with the process of scrapping old and unsafe taxi vehicles. This is a clear demonstration that we are far advanced regarding the implementation of the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme and we believe that the support of the taxi operators in transforming their industry is very critical to our Road Safety campaign.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Transport
17 October 2006