Roll-out in Thembalethu will go ahead

Update Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - The roll-out of the next phase of Go George in Thembalethu will go ahead. It is non-negotiable. This was the message of Western Cape Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie when he visited George on Monday 6 March.

Mackenzie's visit came in the wake of the petrol-bombing of a Go George bus last Wednesday, 1 March, two days after the municipality announced that the roll-out of the bus service to Thembalethu was imminent.

Altogether 11 people were taken to hospital and the bus was badly damaged. Mackenzie met with various role players on Monday, including George Mayor Leon van Wyk, members of the mayoral committee, representatives of Uncedo in the taxi industry and members of the Western Cape Department of Transport.

He also visited one of the victims of the bombing.

Mackenzie told George Herald his visit to George was prompted by his own need to see what the status of Go George is after what happened, as well as request for a report from Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.

He gave the assurance that the Western Cape cabinet has discussed the matter and that it is on its agenda.

VIDEO: Minister in George

The people want the bus

According to Mackenzie a survey shows that 97% of people want Go George. "We can't stop it for the 3% that don't want it."

His department is working with all the role players to ensure that the bus service is safe. "People seem to forget that the taxis are also partners," he said. "They are shareholders. They want the roll-out to go ahead."

He said the petrol bomb incident was a reminder that there are rogue operators who are working against the roll-out. "It did not happen by accident. We are working with the authorities to make it safe. We want to ensure that everybody gets to work."

Mackenzie is planning to write a letter to the new national minister of transport, seeing as the national, provincial and local governments are involved. "If one goes, the others will lose."

He said the issue is not just about Go George. "If Go George does no go ahead, the extortionists will win."

Admittedly there are challenges, with one of the biggest being the safety of the partners and the passengers.

He didn't want to go into any operational matters, but added that he is aware that the police is working on an operational plan to ensure the safety of the people.

He said Van Wyk will announce a date for the roll-out soon. "We will not stand back."