1. Hon Members, we have made gains in reducing high levels of fatalities on our roads. The MF supports this budget of R9,8 billion with the following observations:
2. Members, we need clarity on the roles between the Department of Transport and Road Traffic Management Corporation, and for sufficient resources to be given to road safety for communications. There is no dedicated media agency appointed for advertising and public relations. Place emphasis on this HON. MEC in the Igula Programme, the 9^th pillar being revitalising road safety programmes in your budget speech.
3. HON MEC, there is a lack of pedestrian structures which results in high fatalities, with a record number of more than one third of road deaths last December with 34,3% across KZN, Limpopo and Mpumulanga.
4. Furthermore, rural roads are not fenced, thus resulting in livestock roaming freely and dangerously on the roads. We need by-laws.
5. Although traffic enforcement is augmented by municipalities, as well as the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate, full time enforcement is still required by the Province.Fraud and corruption in the drivers licencing sections require more scrutiny as I receive many complaints HON MEC.
6. Hon members road electronic messaging systems are present but should have more helpful information notifying road users of impending dangers, as well as, constantly bringing awareness of no cellphone usage, stray animals, danger signs, accidents, areas of heavy wind, storm or mist blasting and road works or fallen objects. Equally important is the clear displaying of emergency numbers on our roads.
7. The MF congratulates MEC Kaunda on the heavy policing of our roads over the Easter weekend. For the first time I felt safe and not threatened by road traffic inspectorate presence.
8. HON MEC, well done in your enthusiasm for public transport but a major concern for another debate remains the inadequate R195,3 million for learner transport and safety. The MF supports this budget of R9,8 billion.

Thank You.

Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi

Minority Front  MPL KZN Legislature