GEORGE NEWS - Western Cape Transport and Public Works Minister, Bonginkosi Madikizela, expressed his satisfaction with the roll-out of Go George Phase 4B that took place on Sunday 22 March.

Madikizela visited George on Monday and took time to travel in one of the Go George buses. He also visited George to view the bus service's anti-Covid-19 mitigating steps.

Members of the George Community Forum accompanied Madikizela on a part of the route.

Madikizela said it is a huge relief that the roll-out did take place. He has received positive feedback about the roll-out and thanked the George Community Forum for the role they played.

According to Madikizela there are still outstanding issues and he emphasised that they intend seeing the matter through to the end. He will inform the National Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, about the situation and a meeting will be arranged to discuss the outstanding issues. 

Western Cape Transport and Public Works Minister, Bonginkosi Madikizela, washes his hands at the entrance to the Go George bus depot on Monday. 

"It is our intention to make sure that nothing is disrupted and that we keep on talking." They will be working together as partners with all the stakeholders.

Xolisani Booi, chairperson of the George Community Forum, confirmed that there are still issues that need to be resolved. However, as there was some movement [from the authorities], there was no reason to stop the roll-out.

Madikizela was impressed by the steps taken to limit the spread of Covid-19 on the buses and at the depot. He said it is about the people who work there, as well as the passengers. Starting at the entrance to the depot, the personnel clearly demonstrated that they know what to do. These measures will be part of an ongoing campaign.

Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works Bonginkosi Madikizela looks on as a bus at the Go George depot is sanitised. Photos: Eugene Gunning

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