GEORGE NEWS - Minister of Mobility in the Western Cape, Isaac Sileku, held a series of meetings with senior officials and politicians in George and Hessequa municipalities on Monday and Tuesday, 12 and 13 August 2024. 

Among others, he visited the mayors and municipal managers of George and Hessequa, while dealing with the solidifying of several high-profile partnerships involving the mobility department and the municipalities.

Sileku used these engagements to inform the intergovernmental stakeholders of the department’s strategic focuses and the 2024/25 budget.

He also presented the municipal role players with his vision and priorities for his term as minister.
 
Sileku said the priorities do not exclude any other departmental mandates, but the core focus is to facilitate an affordable, safer, faster and integrated public transport network for commuters. “The department will also focus on improving the freight and logistics network. Most important, however, is the commitment to dramatically reduce the number of road fatalities and injuries in the province,” he said.

Both municipalities showed keen interest and committed themselves to speeding up the growth of rail freight to address specific economic needs

“An efficient and effective freight network is needed to enhance the unlocking of the Garden Route economy, and one of my focuses is to facilitate the driving and coordinating of a much-improved freight network. I will therefore continue to motivate the necessary authorities to restore the freight rail network in our province to its former glory,” Sileku said.

He also enjoyed two trips on Go George. 

Following the bus ride, Sileku met with the George Link directors before spending some time at an integrated roadblock on the N2 near Pacaltsdorp where 130 vehicles were stopped, searched and several fines were issued.  

“One of my key priorities is to significantly reduce the number of road fatalities. These operations are crucial in achieving this goal. Our men and women in blue are an integral part in achieving this key milestone. I am humbled by the diligence and professionalism of the traffic officers in carrying out this vital service,” he said.

The last day of his visit was concluded with the training of the scholar patrol leaders of Albertinia Primary School. The scholar patrol training is part of the learners’ life skills curriculum.

Minister Sileku (left) and Go George Operational Manager John Heathcote. 

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