Please note this is only provisional information based on the data our research team had access to.
Cape Town 20 August-10 September
Current cases (10.9.21): 2546762
Current deaths (10.9.21): 84608
Government initiatives
8.9.21. The transport deputy minister Sindisiwe Chikunda says that Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on the transport sector, especially PRASA (Passenger rail agency of South Africa). This is also due to a prolonged period when rail services were not running, and the infrastructure was ruined by criminals, as well as illegal occupancy on the rails. Chikunda said that they are now at hard work replacing infrastructure.
1.9.21. The new Cape Town mayoral committee member responsible for transport, Roberto Quintas, says that they are working with PRASA (Passenger Rail agency of South Africa) to assist them in fixing the train service. Quintas is also keen for the Myciti N2 Express service to be running again. Moreover, Quintas also has a goal of fixing potholes in Cape Town’s roads
Other
7.9.21.Data has been collected on the blue dot taxi service in Cape Town. The safety project has reported 5000 speeding incidents, and 12000 harsh driving incidents out of 700 taxis. Some of the incidents were related to dangerous stopping, and unsafe lane changes, but also the lack of mask use, smoking in taxis, driving under the influence or harassment, assault or theft.
Links
Cape Town 5-19 August 21.
Current cases 19.8.21: 2652652
Current deaths 19.8.21: 78694
Government initiatives
18.8.21. Residents in Cape Town are encouraged to make use of the Red Dot taxi service to get to vaccine clinics. The service was initially limited to health workers, but is not for those eligible for the vaccine in all areas of Western Cape, including those who are 35 years old or older.
11.8.21. The committee of transport and public works have called for fairness to be made in the allocation of routes to avoid violent tensions in the taxi industry. The Blue dot taxi project is available for 9 months, will cost R150 million and is available to less than 10% of the available taxi fleet.
6.8.21. Cata and Codeta taxis have been permitted to operate on Bellville rank again. The two taxi organisations had signed a peace agreement. The loading lanes at the Bellville public transport interchange will be reopened, but the Paarl loading lane will be closed.
Other
19.8.21. A speaker at an event called Women on Farms project said that a R350 Covid Grant a month is not sufficient to live on, e.g., to buy enough groceries.
11.8.21. The blue dot and red dot taxi services have received mixed reactions. Questions have been asked regarding whether it is sustainable and implementable on a larger scale. Some taxi operators have felt excluded as it was only a small sample of taxi operators that were included.
Links
Cape Town
Cape Town 21 July-4 August
Current cases 4.8.21: 2484009
Current deaths 4.8.21. 73415
Government initiatives
23.7.21. The Western Cape Transport minister closes the taxi route (route 97) between Paarl and Bellville due to taxi violence that has claimed the lives of 70 people in 2021.
21.7.21. The taxi violence in Cape Town has left many stranded without being able to go to work. Commuters fear for their lives as the conflict between CATA and CODETA (taxi associations) fails to resolve. The Premier of Western Cape says that law enforcement vehicles have been deployed to help commuters and he has also suggested that the army should assist commuters. Taxi drivers are also afraid they will get killed, and some have been receiving threatening messages that they will get shot.
25.7.21. Following the closure of the Belleville to Paarl taxi route, Golden Arrow will deploy more buses. The MEC for Transport and Public works says that the Metrorail services will run between the two stations from the 26 July 2021.
Other
29.7.21. The transport crisis in Cape Town has left people unable to get to clinics, schools and work. At Cape Town high school absenteeism has been at 40%. Research consultant Gail Jennings says that the rail network is not as congested as road transport, and can carry a large amount of people at once. However, one of the issues in Cape Town is that the rail network has several problems. Moreover, the infrastructure of Cape Town makes it difficult for people living in townships to reach the city centre. If people in townships were housed closer to work, they could potentially walk or cycle.
28.7.21. The taxi violence in Cape Town is not only affecting public transport, but it is also affected health clinics, as health staff cannot get to the clinics. Nyanga bus terminus is most affected – the area is deserted as soldiers and police are keeping an eye on the area
27.7.21. Public transport has somewhat stabilised after 14 days of disruption, even though CATA and CODETA (taxi associations) have not reached an agreement. The congress of South African students says many students have not been able to go to school during the closure of taxi routes. Many are dependent on mini buses, especially those residing in townships.
25.7.21. Following the closure of the Belleville to Paarl taxi route, Golden Arrow will deploy more buses.
23.7.21. The bus company Golden Arrow has said that they are now operating at 90% capacity after one of their drivers was shot.
Links
Transport report 12 June to 3 July 2021
South Africa
Total cases (3.7.2021): 2046311
Total deaths (3.7.2021): 61507
Cape Town
Government regulations
30 June 2021. All schools will close on the 30th July according to lockdown level 4 regulations (grade R to 12) and will reopen on the 19th July. There is a curfew from 9 pm-4 am except for essential workers or emergencies. Public transport is not permitted during the curfew period. Interprovincial travel to and from Gauteng is prohibited. There is a 70% load capacity on public transport travelling 200 km. Restrictions on international air travel remain the same but there is an exception on the curfew for long distance flights. International air travel is restricted to OR Tambo, King Shaka, Cape Town, Lanseria, Kruger Mpumalanga international airports.
15.6.2021. The South African president announces South Africa’s move to Level 3. He warns the population that they could get infected by an asymptomatic person in a taxi for instance, or those who do not wear masks that cover their faces. New measures are put in place. A curfew will start at 10 am and end at 4 am. Restaurants, bars and fitness centres will need to close by 9 pm. All gatherings will be limited to 50 indoors, and 100 outdoors. When a venue is too small to accommodate social distancing, no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue may be used. The attendance of funerals may not exceed 50 people. The sale of alcohol will only be allowed from 10 am and 6 pm from Monday to Thursday. It is a criminal offence not to wear a face mask that always covers their mouth and nose in public spaces.
Other
25.6.2021. PRASA (The passenger rail agency in South Africa) says that there has been a 66% decrease in weekday train services in the province of Western Cape (equivalent of 293 fewer trains every day). Metrorail has lost 2/3rds of its passengers due to arson attacks. PRASA has been in conversation with the mayor and city officials regarding land occupation and illegal occupiers in Langa living on or near the railway line. The City said that they had urged PRASA to take action early.
23.6.2021. Compared to 2019 Cape Town commuter trains are running at 34 % capacity. Moreover five out of 12 trains that were operated by Metrorail in 2019 are no longer running according to PRASA. The central line that has offered cheap transport to the city’s poorest population is inoperable. 56 ha of railway line is covered by 7844 illegal dwellings and 1350 informal dwellings will have to be removed to make repairs for the central line. After four years of arson attacks PRASA had 44 trains left in Cape Town in 2019, but there were only 28 trains left in 2020. The plan is to double them by next year. R790 million has been allocated for station repairs over the next three year, and it is planned that a four-meter wall will be built along the central line to prevent vandalism and theft.
23.6.2021. PRASA has been criticised for having the same recovery plan than the previous year.
21.6.2021. Metrorail has stopped doing monthly tickets and many passengers find the train very expensive and will many delays.
19.6.2021. Teachers, cleaners, food handlers and other staff in school institutions will be vaccinated by the 8th July. Uber has offered 100.000 rides for free to get school staff vaccinated.
15.6.2021. Seventeen school children were in a vehicle in Cape Town that was hijacked but were left unharmed. The hijackers ran away when the police arrived.
14.6.2021 There have been 7 taxi related killings in the last week. 3 taxi operators were killed in Khayelitsha, and four people in taxis were killed in Manenburg and Duinefontein.
13.6. 2021. Bolt food is partnering with Pathway Cycles in Cape Town to encourage the use of electric bikes for food deliveries. Couriers earn the same fees as they would otherwise.
Links
teams have been able to access.
South Africa
Cape Town
23-11 June 2021
Current cases (11.6.2021): 1730106
Current deaths (11.6.2021): 57592
Government initiatives
3.6.2021. Western Cape MEC Daylin Mitchell will meet taxi leaders after several days of protests in Nyanga. On Wednesday seven vehicles were torched during peak hours, and a Golden Arrow bus was stoned the previous week. He has threatened to close the ranks and routes affected by the protests if it does not end.
1.6.2021. The mayor of Cape Town has said that transport infrastructure and the maintenance of the road network will be a top priority for the 2021/22 financial year. They will roll out the phase two of the MiCity bus service to Mitchell’s plain
24.5.2021. Daylin Mitchell has been appointed as a new MEC for transport and public works in Cape Town
24.5.2021. The transport minister (Fikile Mbalula) has pointed out that the key challenges for PRASA (Passenger rail agency of South Africa include theft of rail infrastructure, leadership instability and lack of critical skills. He said that illicit vandalism of rail infrastructure (copper and steal) had increased during lockdown.
Other
7.6.2021. Naspers Foundry invests R24 million in a Transport Startup – WhereIsMyTransport. The company WhereIsMyTransport specialises in digital maps of informal routes.
Links
South Africa
Cape Town
8.5.-22.5.2021
Current cases (22 May 2021): 39.369
Current deaths (22 May 2021): 55.772
Government initiatives
8.5.2021. The chairperson for transport and public works ,Daylin Mitchell, says that the problems that are experienced by Metrorail are crippling the service. The week when he announced this, Metroline trains had been suspended due to signal failure. The transport minister Fikile Mbabula recently said that PRASA was undertaking a rail infrastructure upgrade (R 1.8 billion and 2 billion). United National Transport union said they were concerned about the situation, both for commuters and transport workers.
Other
22.5.2021. A new blue dot taxi service has started in Cape Town which aims to reward taxi drivers for their improved driving and service, and reducing violence and illegal driving habits. A total of 1300 buses will be part of this new service. Taxi drivers and operators need to have documentation to participate in training for blue dot. The vehicles will have branded certificates, branding from the blue dot taxi service and be fitted with tracker.
21.5.2021. Informal settlements in Cape Town have been affected by rain, which has made it more difficult for commuters to get to work.
11.5.2021. Transport authorities as well as Golden Arrow bus services are carrying out safety measures to ensure safety for passengers. This will involve CCTV buttons and panic buttons.
22 April-7 May 2021.
South Africa
Total cases 7 May: 1592326
Total deaths 7 May: 54687
Government initiatives
7.3.2021.The transport minister briefed members of the parliament on mitigating the impact of covid 19 on the transport sector and argued that transport operators will continue to feel the impact of the pandemic in the near and medium term future. He said that the pandemic came at a time when the transport industry was already on a downward slide. It is assumed it will take up to 2 years because operations will return to normal.
3.5. 2021. Western Cape transport department condemn the killing of a taxi driver. There have been 25 murders since Jan 2021, and 11 attempted murders.
Other
5.5.2021. A train between Fish Hoek and Salt River was suspended due to equipment failure, and commuters are recommended to use other forms of alternative transport.
1.5.2021. Many of the stations on Cape Towns central line are vandalised, the windows in ticket offices are broken and concrete slabs have been removed. Although the line to Langa opened earlier this year, some people are refusing to move their shacks near or on the railway line. The Cape flats chairperson says that they are deeply concerned about how this affects those who rely on the trainline.
26.4.2021. The CATA (Cape Amalgamated taxi association president) Victor Wiwi has been shot and killed on the way home from Laingsburg when he was trying to resolve a transport issue.
26.4.2021. Taxi operators are accusing a large taxi association of extortion. Operators with valid permits claim that they are subject to shakedowns by marshals from the Congress of Democratic Taxi associations who illegally seize their vehicles.
Links
Draft report 5 April -21 April
Transport report. 5 April- 21 April
South Africa
Total cases 21.4.2021: 1569935
Total deaths 21.4.2021: 53940
Government initiatives
15.4.2021. The Western Cape Transport MEC, Bonginkosi Madikizela, is suspended due to allegedly misleading the public on his qualifications. An investigation will determine all the factors.
13.4.2021. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and the leader of the opposition, Cameron Dugmore have had conversations about a solution for Western Cape commuters and the integration of public transport systems. Winde and Dugmore discussed if more powers should be given to provinces, and Winde told the press club that he believed in the devolution of powers. There are discussions with the municipalities of Stellenbosch, Drakenstein and City of Cape Town about having a transport authority that can coordinate efforts to change public transport (train, rail as well as taxis). Dugmore argued that a corporative transport authority is needed to ensure that travelers get around safety, quickly and affordably.
8.4. 2021. The transport minister Fikile Mbalula has said that local airlines should start using a mobile travel pass which is a mobile application that can verify covid vaccines and tests.
Other
6.4. 2021.There were fewer road deaths during the Easter weekend in Cape Town. The numbers were 38 in 2019, and 25 in 2021. This is most likely due to roadblocks and checkpoints.
Links
Draft report 18.3-4.4.2021
South Africa
Current cases 4.4.2021: 1551964
Current deaths 4.4.2021: 52987
Cape Town
Government initiatives
2.4.2021. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma made a slight alteration to the ban on transporting alcohol during the Easter break. It is not prohibited to transport your own alcohol from your home, but only alcohol bought in a shop.
1.4.2021. The Johnson and Johnson covid-19 vaccine has been approved for use in South Africa.
1.4.2021. Transporting alcohol will be prohibited for Easter to reduce the spread of covid-19. Alcohol can only been sold in licensed premises
1.4.2021 The Premier Alan says that the state of the public transport sector is preventing the economy from growing, and argued that one central transport authority is needed, e.g. that the local municipality should manage the rail network. The chairperson of PRASA (Passenger rail agency) said that they expect the central line will be fully operational by the end of the year.
1.4.2021. Western Cape authorities are starting a 7-day traffic plan that will involve patrol vehicles being fitted with technological equipment that can spot an identity offenders, e.g. if people are using a stolen vehicle.
Other
1.4.2021. The SA national taxi council said that the council will raise awareness of road safety and conduct visits in long distance regions ahead of the Easter break.
24.3.2021. In a video on eyewitness news it is reported that people living in low income communities (Tafelsig and Elsiesriver) both suffer from the impact of covid-19 and hunger. Many fear the impact of gangsterism due to rising inequalities.
21.3.2021. Golden arrow has installed security cameras and panic buttons on their buses, as there were 6 or 7 robberies per week up to February 2021.
Links
Draft report 18.3-4.4.2021
South Africa
Current cases 4.4.2021: 1551964
Current deaths 4.4.2021: 52987
Cape Town
Government initiatives
2.4.2021. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma made a slight alteration to the ban on transporting alcohol during the Easter break. It is not prohibited to transport your own alcohol from your home, but only alcohol bought in a shop.
1.4.2021. The Johnson and Johnson covid-19 vaccine has been approved for use in South Africa.
1.4.2021. Transporting alcohol will be prohibited for Easter to reduce the spread of covid-19. Alcohol can only been sold in licensed premises
1.4.2021 The Premier Alan says that the state of the public transport sector is preventing the economy from growing, and argued that one central transport authority is needed, e.g. that the local municipality should manage the rail network. The chairperson of PRASA (Passenger rail agency) said that they expect the central line will be fully operational by the end of the year.
1.4.2021. Western Cape authorities are starting a 7-day traffic plan that will involve patrol vehicles being fitted with technological equipment that can spot an identity offenders, e.g. if people are using a stolen vehicle.
Other
1.4.2021. The SA national taxi council said that the council will raise awareness of road safety and conduct visits in long distance regions ahead of the Easter break.
24.3.2021. In a video on eyewitness news it is reported that people living in low income communities (Tafelsig and Elsiesriver) both suffer from the impact of covid-19 and hunger. Many fear the impact of gangsterism due to rising inequalities.
21.3.2021. Golden arrow has installed security cameras and panic buttons on their buses, as there were 6 or 7 robberies per week up to February 2021.
Links
Transport report 28.2-17.3.2021.
South Africa
Total covid-19 cases 17.3.2021:1.532497
Total covid-19 deaths 17.3.2021: 51634
Government initiatives
15.3. 2021. The Western Cape Agriculture MEC suggests stricter regulations to be introduced around the transportation of workers on the back of open bakkies, e.g. regarding hygiene regulations as well as a maximum of 50% of the licensed capacity.
12.3. 2021. The city of Cape Town has collected fines amounting to R26.000 for non-adherence to covid-19 rules in the week before the 12th March 2021.
7.3.2021. Calls are being made into investigating the spending allocated to the Red dot taxi service which has provided services to key workers during the covid-19 pandemic. 37 million rand has been paid to the company which is more than half of the provincial transport total spend over three months
5.3.2021. A blue dot taxi violence pilot project aims to bring stability to the violence ridden taxi industry and is launched by premier Alan Winde with public works MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela. This is an incentive programme that will reward good driving behaviour and customer service, and aims to prevent conflict. About 1300 taxis will participate.
28.2.2021. The transport minister says that PRASA will approach the high court to remove those who build homes on railway tracks. This is delaying construction work on the rail way line from Langa to Khayelitsha.
1.3.2021. The transport minister has made changes to domestic air travel under level 1 which means that passengers on domestic flights will not be able to eat onboard. International flights will continue at OR Tambo international airport, King Shaka international airport and Cape Town international airport.
Other
12.3.2021. Opinions are divided about the proposed new commercial airport in Cape Town in the former Fisantekraal Airfield. The secretary general of the political party ‘Good’ said that he was worried that there is increased focus on a new airport while the public transport system is not running – e.g. non-working trains.
11.3.2021: The taxi organisation, CATA, warns the Masiphumelele community to stop using non taxi alliance transportation. The chair person for CATA has said that more e-hailers and private taxi shuttlers are operating without a license.
3.3.2021. The cost of food is predicted to go up by 10% due to the hike in oil prices. Workers have prioritised electricity, transport, and educational costs and have had to cut down on food expenses.
Links
Draft report 10-27 February 2021
Cape Town
Current cases 27.2.2021; 1.510.778
Current deaths 27.2.2021: 49.784.
Government implementations
18.2.2021. The transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela has met with two taxi organisations after a fatal shooting in Bellville where 3 people died, and one wounded. He said that he will engage with taxi organisations to prevent violence. It is believed that the people were killed was due to taxi violence. On the same day the Codeta taxi association distributed flyers to staff transporters, sedan taxi drivers and e-hailing services (Uber and Bolt) that they should stop taking their customers or face fines.
18.2.2021. The transport minister, Fikile Mbalula is outlining a number of initiatives that are being working on, including a plan to scrap about 63.000 taxis and to finalise the issue on e-tolls. The plan is to prioritise a road to rail shift. Road users have complained about the e-toll system since its reception in 2013 leading to the non-payment by many. The new transport model will include a focus on buses. New fines will also be reviewed.
10.2.2021. In his state of the nation address in 2020 President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that R.1.4 billion will be spent on fixing the central line. But a year afterwards, PRASA (Passenger rail agency of South Africa) has not spent the money. This is partly due to the covid-19 pandemic and lockdown but also due to internal capacity challenges. The plan is to open the services to Langa by February 2021, and services from Khayelitsha to Mitchells Plain between September and December 2021 provided that illegal settlements are removed.
Other
23.2.2021. Workers, unions expect to hear what options KAP Industrial holdings considered before they decided to close Greyhound, Magic Transfers and Mega bus services. About 700 workers have been impacted by this and many face unemployment/hardships caused by this.
23.2.2021. The unemployment rate in South Africa has risen to 32.5 %, and is particularly concentrated among youth (mostly 15-34) and black Africans (an unemployment rate of 36.5.%). Those with lowers levels of education have been more likely to receive a reduced pay during the pandemic.
20. 2.2021. Even though the central line has been opened, thousands of travellers are still looking for alternative means of transport. The train currently runs from Cape Town to Langa station but is meant to run to Chris Hani station and Kapteinsklip. There are about 8000 shacks around the train tracks that have been there for several years. Some residents argue that they must provide them with land and that it is not due to the settlements that the train stopped but rather cable theft.
19.2.2020. About 400 pupils from Forest Village are learning under a tree as their parents are demanding an IsiKhosa medium school in the area. The parents say that they were moved from informal settlements (Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Philippi) and that they cannot afford to transport their children back to these schools. The provincial education department say that they have attempted to transport the children to nearby schools, but the parents have refused this.
19.2. 2021. 5 suspects have been arrested following robberies on Golden Arrow buses. This was revealed by the Golden Arrow general manager on Tuesday the 16.2.2021.
16.2.2021.The Langa to Cape Town line took off on the 15 February after more than a year out of service due to cable theft and vandalism. However, one of the commuters was not impressed due to the train getting stuck on the way. Prasa’s board person Leonard Ramatlakane said that PRASA owed it to communities to reintroduce a safe, reliable and affordable public transport during tough covid-19 times.
Links
Draft report 22 January to 9 February 2021
South Africa
Current cases 9.2. 1,479.256
Current deaths 9.2. 46.869
Cape Town
Government implementations
1.2.2020. South Africa will remain in level 3, but the alcohol ban has been lifted, and restrictions on worship have been eased. The curfew will now run from 11 pm to 4 am. Religious gatherings are allowed with 50 people inside, and 100 people outside. Rivers, parks and beaches will be opened.
2.2.2021. The city of Cape Town has approved more than R10 million for covid-19 food relief
2.2.2021. The first dose of the covid-19 vaccination has arrived in South Africa on the 1 February 2021. Minibus drivers, teachers, hotel and restaurant workers will be prioritised in phase two
2.2.2021. International flights can land and departure South Africa during curfew (11 pm to 4 am). Passengers who are going to the airport in these hours can transport themselves during curfew as long as they provide proof in the form of a boarding pass/airline ticket.
1.2.2021.The department of transport in Western Cape wants to make emergency service vehicles safter for staff who have been subject to attacks
27.1.2021. The Western Cape Transport MEC says that it is a key priority to relocate those who have built shacks on top of the unused railway line during the pandemic.
27.1.2021. Metrorail and the Transport and Works MEC have revealed that they are going to re-introduce a train line from Cape Town to Langa.
Other
8.2.2021. The Ukubavimba Foundation (a socio economic and social justice organisation) has lodged a complaint with the SA human rights commission against the bus company ‘Golden Arrow’. They have lodged this complaint to fight for the rights of the poor who have been robbed on Golden Arrow buses.
8.2.2021. Three taxi bosses were killed in a week in Nyanga/Crossroads. The ANC spokesperson said that the incidences were not isolated as similar killings had happened across the province, and called on the police task force to address the killings.
4.1.2021. On the 1st February PRASA issued notice period of 10 days for shack dwellers who have been making an informal settlement along the central line. PRASA, which is Metrorail’s mother company, estimate that about 8000 people have built houses along the train tracks – some on top of the train tracks.
3.2.2021.The transport company called Greyhound will close its services (Greyhound and Citiliner buses) after 27 years of operations due to the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
29.1.2021. The opposition parties say that it is too soon to lift the alcohol ban, as this could trigger a third wave
25.1.2021. 14 have been arrested after hijacking e-hailing drivers in Nyanga, Cape Town. The Nyanga community police forum hopes this will send a strong signal to criminals in the area.
Links
Draft report 7 January to 21 January 2021.
South Africa
Current cases 21.1.2021: 1, 369,426
Current deaths 21.1.2021: 38.854
Government initiatives
12.1.2021. The border posts are closed in South Africa. However, certain categories of people can travel. Entry into South Africa is permitted for the transportation of fuel, cargo, goods, and emergency medical attention. The home affairs minister may also allow the entry or exit from SA for the return of a South African national, a permanent resident or a long-term visa holder. The minister may also allow the entry or exit of South Africa for funeral purposes, for diplomats, for the deportation of foreign nationals and the departure of a foreign national to his or her country. A SA national or permanent resident will be permitted to go to his or her place of employment, study or residence outside South Africa. Daily commuters who attend school in South Africa will also be allowed to cross the border. Travellers will be subject to compliance with health protocols, e.g., the screening for covid-19 and quarantine or isolation. International air travel is restricted to OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town international airports. Travellers arriving at these destinations must provide a negative covid-19 test obtained no more than 72 hours. The transport of carbo to and from other countries is permitted (rail, ocean, air and road).
11.1.2021. South Africa will remain in lockdown 3. The curfew hours are changed from 9 pm to 5 am and the ports of entry in the country are closed until the 15th February. The sale, distribution and transportation of alcohol is not allowed. The administration is working on securing 20 million vaccine doses by the first quarter of 2021.
Other
18.1.2021. An activist from Mitchell’s Plain starts a taxi service for women called ’ladies own transport’ due to wanting to protect women from sexual assaults when travelling on public transport.
18.1.2021. Metrorail has suspended its train services for the rest of January due to vandalism.
15.1.2021. The city of Cape Town has called on the Minister of Cooperative Governance and traditional affairs to extend the current curfew from 9 pm to 11 pm due to businesses struggling to keep their businesses going.
14.1.2021. The national taxi alliance (NTA) wants the government to prioritise the taxi industry when they roll out covid-19 vaccinations. The NTA wants the government to recognise the taxi industry as an essential service and to earmark the vaccine to drivers and taxi rank operators.
14.1.2021. The transport union, UNTU, are saddened by the loss of members to covid-19. The passenger rail agency of South Africa (PRASA) lost four of its members, and three workers working for UNTU died in the last week. The union appealed to all South Africans to follow covid-19 guidelines.
10.1.2021. The army ais controlling the streets of Cape Town. They started operations on the Cape Town metro on the 5th January 2021 and the garden route on Saturday the 9th. The deployments already covered Khayalitcha, Nyanga, Delft, kraaifontein, Mfuleni, Mitchell’s plane, Lentegeur, Samora Machel. They focused on enforcing the curfew between 9 pm and 6 am.
6.1.2021. Soldiers will be deployed in the Cape Town area, due to the closure of the beach. The Police minister General Bheki Cele said that tourists who come to surf there are undermining the undermining the South African state.
Draft report 22 December to 6 January 2021
South Africa
Current cases 6.1.2021. 1127759
Current deaths 6.1.2021: 30,524
Cape Town
Government implementations
4.1.2021. The government has held talks with pharmaceuticals regarding obtaining covid-19 vaccines, but they have not signed a deal yet.
31.12.2020. The transport minister has said that airlines must amend schedules to allow for the night curfew for both international and domestic flights
The minister of home affairs announced that it will only be travellers with PCR tests that can enter the country. Those without PCR tests will be subject to rapid antigen tests. Truck drivers are exempt from the test requirements. Officials will be at all ports/land ports to ensure compliance.
30.12.2020. South Africans will be fined 1500 for not wearing a mask and the double for breaking curfew. Fines can also be accompanied by a jail sentence for six months, and those who are guilty of breaking lockdown laws could get criminal records
28.12.2020. The president addresses the nation in a speech about the move to level 3 regulations. Indoor and outdoor gatherings will not be allowed for 14 days, except for funerals, restaurants, museums, gyms and casinos. There cannot be more than 50 people at funerals. Businesses must determine the maximum number of staff permitted based on social distancing guidelines and cannot exceed that limit. The curfew will be from 9 pm to 6 am, and only permitted workers and medical and security personnel, are allowed outside. Non-essential shops, restaurants, cultural venues and bars have to close at 8 pm. Every person is legally responsible for wearing a mask in a public space and could be arrested and prosecuted. The sale of alcohol from outlets and on-site consumption will be permitted. It is not allowed to consume alcohol at public beaches. Beaches, parks etc will be closed in covid-hotspots. People are advised not to leave a hotspot areas, and those living outside are advised not to travel into hotspot areas if possible.
Other
28.12. 2020. South Africa passes one million infections. A new covid variant known as 501V2 is believed to be the cause of this increase
Links
Draft report. December to 21 December 2020
South Africa,
Current cases (21.12.2020). 830.711
Current deaths (21.12.2020). 24.907
Cape Town
Government initiatives
21.12.2020. The city of Cape Town is calling the government to reconsider a new curfew. The curfew announced a week earlier by the president from 11 pm to 4 am has led to the cancellation of many flights. The transport department says they are out in full force observing traffic and travel ahead of the festive season.
14.12.2020: Beaches in areas with high levels of infection will be closed during the festive period. The beaches and parks in Northern and Western Cape will remain open, but Garden Route will remain closed. People who will break coronavirus rules will either be fined or face up to 6 months in jail. Supermarkets must determine the number of customers according to the amount of floor space. The wearing of facemasks in compulsory in public places except for a person who performs vigorous exercise (must keep a 1.5 meter distance). Indoor gatherings e.g. concerts are limited to 100 people, and 250 people outdoors. Hotels and smaller venues are subjected to restrictions – i.e., they must only have 50% of their capacity. Indoor alcohol sales have been restricted from Monday to Thursday. The national curfew is extended starting from 11 pm to 4 am. Restaurants and bars will have to close at 10 pm so the staff can travel home before the curfew.
14.12.2020. The Cape MEC for social development, Sharna Fernandes, says that men and boys can also be a victim of gender-based violence and should be supported through programmes that focus on gender-based violence.
9.12.2020. Kyle Reinecke, the departments of transport head of transport management said that they will focus on transport infrastructure and speed limitations, following more pedestrian deaths.
8.12.2020. The transport and public works MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela said that he did not want to stop interprovincial travel between Eastern and Western Cape during the Christmas season. However, he said that there needs to be more compliance regarding e.g. mask use at taxi ranks, as well as ensuring air circulation in taxis. He said that provincial governments should intensify law enforcement.
7.12.2020. MEC, Bonginkosi Madikizela, visited taxi ranks in Cape Town to ensure Covid-19 compliance e.g. mask use. Some drivers and passengers were not adhering to Covid-19 regulations and were not wearing masks and the windows were closed.
Other
14.12. 2020. Another taxi driver has been shot in Philippi when preparing to transport commuters to Eastern Cape.
9.12.2020. The taxi organisations and opposition parties have carefully agreed to the provincial transport department’s Blue Dot plan. The blue dot plan is an initiative that seeks to bring stability to taxi industry affected by violence. The Red dot system was developed during lockdown and was intended for health careful workers. The blue dot system is an extension of this in which the operators and drivers receive an incentive for adhering to certain health and safety standards. The provincial transport spokesperson that it is their hope that the initiative with lead to the subsidisation of the taxi industry in Western Cape.
Links
Cape Town draft report 19.11-4.12.2020
Current cases (3.12.2020): 792,299
Current deaths (3.12.2020): 21644
Government initiatives:
3.12.2020. The government has updated is covid-19 regarding travel in and out of the country, which involves screening in the airport, and the completion of a traveller health questionnaire. A person who is found to display any symptoms must be subject to a medical examination, which may include testing and isolation. A person entering the country must have a PCR certificate conducted within 72 hours of the date of departure. If they do not have this, they will be subject to quarantine at an approved facility at their own cost. Passengers must always wear masks, except if they are told by crew to take it off, or in an emergency. Children under five are exempt from this, as well as those with medical certificates.
1.12. 2020. The transport minister says that they will do everything they can to limit the spread of covid-19 during the festive season, including roadblocks and heightened law enforcement. Mask use will be monitored, and taxis are required to leave the windows open 5 cm for short distances. Sanitizing measures will also be checked.
29.11.2020. A webinar was hosted by the deputy minister of Transport, Dikeledi Magadzi, the deputy minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Hlengiwe Mkhize, Sonke Justice policy development and advocacy co-ordinator Zanele Mabaso, People Opposed to Women Abuse, GBV activist Sidwell Sehoana and Love Life chief executive Linda Ncube-Nkomo, which focused on sexual harassment and assault on public transport. One of the issues addressed is the need to install CCTV cameras in all public transport. See the full webinar here. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=145278173597484&id=1469992423311780&_rdr
25.11.2020. Cape Town sees a 25% jump in coronavirus cases. The premier of Cape Town, Alan Winde, issues a hot spot alert for the City of Cape Town’s metro of around 4.5. million people.
25.11.2020. The Western Cape Transport minister will meet with officials and law enforcement to address the issues of taxi violence in Cape Town, following several shootings at the taxi association at CATA and the township Nyanga.
25.11.2020.The President Cyril Ramaphosa will hold an interactive session with civil society organisations to mark the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. The online session will comprise of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), representatives from the men’s sector, survivors of gender-based violence, leaders of faith communities and civil society organisations.
Other
3. 12.2020. An electric charging station is launched in Cape Town for electric vehicles, which is free. It is a solar powered station.
2.12.2020. Nadia Sitas & Rose Wamalwa from Stellenbosch University argue that African women are leading in terms of a community response to covid-19, e.g. mask making and providing meals (Muizenberg community action group).
2.12.2020. The founder of South Africa’s leading security and medical response platform (Aura) argues that technology can play a key role in preventing gender-based violence. It offers an on-demand emergency response whereby the victims can get help from the closest response vehicle.
28.11.2020. The human rights organisation Sonke Gender Justice asks the government to fast track the implementation of the Gender based violence and femicide national strategic plan and urge the government to focus on evaluation and monitoring.
25.11. 2020. The 25.11. marks the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. Various webinars are held focusing on income inequality, digital rights and freedom of expression and social justice. See the webpage for an overview of past events. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-11-23-16-days-of-focusing-on-gbv-loading/
24.11.2020. 6 men as well as a disabled woman were injured in a shooting episode at the station deck taxi rank.
25.11.2020. The bus company Golden Arrow asks for more assistance from the Western Cape parliamentarians to combat criminal activity, following several attacks on busses. 3 buses were recently burnt in arson attacks in November in Khayelitsha.
24.11. Five people were killed at a taxi rank in Nyanga after being shot by gunmen.
24.11. The local cycle organisation in Cape Town are calling on authorities to protect riders after several cyclists have had their cellphones and bicycles stolen.
24.11.2020. The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) will launch a 24-hour toll-free shelter helpline which is dedicated to issues of domestic and intimate partner violence.
24.11.2020. Uber introduces cheaper fares for riders in Cape Town (Paarl, Wellington and Somerset West).
Links
Draft report 3-18 November 2020
South Africa.
Current cases 18.9.2020: 757,144
Government initiatives 18.9.2020: 20556
Cape Town
16.11.2020. The provincial government and the Passenger Rail Agency (Prasa) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to revive the central line. The line has been affected by vandalism/theft and shack dwellers have built their homes on the line. The city and the province will provide land invaders with alternative land. The line to Chris Hani in Khayelitsha, with a connecting line from Philippi towards Kapteinsklip in Mitchells Plain, was suspended last year in November.
14.11.2020. South Africa’s transport minister, Fikile Mbalula, has confirmed his commitment to implement a new subsidy for the country’s minibus taxi sector by April 2021. In an article in IOL Benjamin H. Bradlow and Herrie Schalekamp question the intention, especially if the purpose is for taxi operators to pay more taxes, rather than providing affordable, frequent and quality public transport.
12.11.2020. The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma announced a few chances to the lockdown regulations declared by the South African president the day before. 18 land borders will remain partially operational, and 34 land borders will remain closed. All international travel will resume but the traveller must provide a negative test conducted within 72 hours. If the traveller fails to do this, he or she will be required to quarantine at his or her own cost. International air travel is restricted to OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. The sale of liquor is permitted at licensed premises within trading hours.
11.11.2020. The South African president extends the national state of disaster until the 15th December. The president expressed his concern about mask wearing and social distancing in the country which had decreased. The covid-19 grant has been extended until January 2021 to help the unemployed. The UIF COVID-19 Ters grant has also been extended. All international visitors will be permitted to visit as long as they follow protocols and display a covid-19 certificate. Five days of mourning were announced between the 25-29 November to remember victims of covid-19 as well as gender-based violence/femicide.
5.11.2020. Alan Winde, the premier of Cape Town, says that they cannot afford a new lockdown, as the country is getting poorer and people are losing jobs.
Other
18.11.2020. Patrick Mngxunyeni, the Chairperson for sub council 10 said it was a pity that protestors in Khayelitsha concerning land were not given a hearing. According to Patrick Mngxunyeni protestors destroyed assets that belonged to the municipality (such as public transport) due to wanting to get the attention of the City of Cape Town council and their councillors.
12.11.2020. Buses belonging to Golden Arrow were stoned and torched near Khayelitcha. Some students were meant to be writing their exams but were stuck at bus stops.
9.11.2020. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), is currently working with national, provincial and local housing authorities to find alternative land to accommodate the informal settlements who have squatted on the central line train line that has not been running. Previous relocation projects have taken 12-18 months. Five settlements have sprung up since lockdown in the Philippi area named ‘lockdown’ as well as one in Langa.
6.11.2020. The Mycity N2 express might be reinstated by May next year. The suspension of the service has affected thousands of people living in Khayelitcha and Mitchell’s plain who depended on the service for work.
3.11.2020. The transport minister condemned vandalism and theft on the central line. A new security plan is intending to address this.
Links
Draft report 17 October to 2 November 2020
South Africa
Current cases in South Africa (2.11.2020) 726.823
Current deaths from covid-19 in South Africa (2.11.2020): 19.411
Cape Town
Government initiatives:
29.10.2020. At a taxi lekgotla (meeting) the prime minister said that it is important to keep women safe when travelling by taxi:
“We must seriously and honesty confront the associations of the taxi industry with sexism and gender based violence. We must work together as government and all industry stakeholders to ensure that women are safe but they must also feel safe when they are travelling by taxi. Free of abuse. Free of being degraded free of being called names. And even in our taxi ranks free of being whistled at and free of being called names. We must respect the women of our country”. The transport minister encouraged the formalisation of the sector and the importance of eliminating violence (see video below in the link section).
27.10.2020. The premier of Cape Town, Alan Winde, says that there will be a blue dot taxi system soon in Cape Town. The ‘red dot system’ aimed to provide safe transport to heath care workers. The red dot taxis have a protective screen between the drivers and the passengers as well as a tracker to monitor performance. The blue dot system will be similar which will identify trustworthy drivers. It will also provide monthly incentives to operators and drivers to operate in a safe way. It will launch in the metro in partnership with Santaco.
28.10.2020. The president of South Africa has taken action to improve the security of the railway. He has said that the vandalism, theft and sabotage of the rail infrastructure is the worst form of economic crime in the country. The president has promised that there will be more security guards and that they have plans to introduce drones, high tech surveillance and armed response units to protect the railway system. The national treasury had approved R900m for the implementation of PRASA security in order to combat theft and vandalism of the railway infrastructure
Alan Winde, the premier of Cape Town, warns residents to stop spreading fake news about a second lockdown and that the president will address the nation this week. The president indicated on the 26th October that this is not true
25.10.2020. On a media briefing on the 25th, the premier of KwaZulu Natal said that the treat of a hard lockdown is real. The health minister raised concern that there has been a sharp increase in cases in Western Cape.
21.11.2020. The R350 covid-19 relief fund has been extended for another three months costing 6 billion rand. The SASSA spokesperson says that they will do their best to see that the system runs smoothly.
20.11.2020.The transport minister said that they are working on getting the central line back on track after railway lines have been stripped and cables have been stolen. People have built informal structures on top of the rail line, so residents will be relocated. The United National transport union’s spokesperson said that soldiers should patrol the railway line and police will guard the station platforms.
Other
28.10.2020. A dial a ride (DAR) car driver was hijacked in Crossroads but left unhurt, a service that provides transport and the delivery of services for the most vulnerable.
24.10.2020 The National Taxi allowance pulls out of the taxi lekgotla (meeting). They will not take part due to not being given the same speaking rights as the South African National Taxi council. The National Taxi allowance is also concerned about covid-19 relief funds.
19.10.2020. The transport Union Untu welcomes a digital control centre for the rail network in Cape Town but a lot of work still needs to be completed to stabilise operations. The previous week the transport minister launched the Bellville rail management and traffic control centre which has moved from a manual to a digital system. Not all trains are linked to the new system as signalling methods are years behind.
15.10.2020. Taxi operators in Gugulethu, Cape Town are being accused of running a rogue operation by holding e-hailing and other mini bus drivers at ransom, as a way of stopping them transporting passengers in the area. A driver had to pay 3000 rand to be released. The spokesperson for provincial Department of Transport and Public Works said that individuals who are involved in these criminal acts can have their licenses revoked and could face deregistration.
Links
Draft report. Cape Town 30 September-16 October
Current cases (16.10.2020): 698.184
Current deaths (16.10.2020): 13.309
Government initiatives
15.10.2020. The transport minister Fekile Mbabula joined the Western Cape Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela to discuss the taxi industry (a provincial taxi lekgotla). The transport minister believes that a formalisation of the taxi industry will be a game changer. The meeting is a build-up towards a historical national lekgotla that will be held on the 29.10.2020. The taxi MEC highlighted the increased taxi violence. There have been more than 60 taxi related murders.
9.10.2020. The minister of transport, Mbabula and his spokesperson Ayanda Allie-Paine detail their plan to revive PRASA (passenger rail industry of South Africa). They are introducing new train models. They are also going to introduce a new PRASA board. The total stoppage during covid-19 has prompted the need for reviving the train network. At the heart of their intervention is user safety, e.g. through digital support. Stations will also be upgraded. Mbubula mentions they have been working on land relocation, as some people have been building shacks on railway lines.
6.10.2020. The minister of transport reveals that 3100 PRASA workers will combat vandalism and damaging of infrastructure.
2.10.2020. The minister of transport updates that travellers from neighbouring countries to South Africa can freely enter the country. All travellers from Africa will be screened for covid-19 and must possess relevant travel documents. Ships are permitted to dock, offload and load cargo. All travellers should have a travel insurance that will cover covid-19 tests and quarantine. Travellers who intend to enter South Africa must present a PCR test carried out 72 hours from the time of departure. The minister launches the October transport month that started 4 years ago and has created 250 jobs for local residents.
1.10. 2020. Transport and Public Works MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela proposes to close certain taxi routes due to escalating violence.
Other
13.10.2020. Activists in Cape Town called for the government to rethink its decision to terminate the covid-19 relief fund. The extension of the caregiver grant and the covid-19 social relief of distress (SRD) will cost 37 million rand.
7.10. 2020. Several countries in Europe are on South Africa’s high-risk travel list. They may be removed after airline talks
The golden Arrow bus service is concerned about increased violence. Latest one of their buses with 30 passengers was robbed in Samora Machel.
7.10.2020 Cosatu (congress of South African Trade Unions) and Saftu (South African federation of trade unions) held a national strike concerning the grievances in public transport, health and safety, corruption, attacks on collective bargaining, retrenchments and unemployment, gender-based violence and the gender pay gap. The strike aims to promote safe transport.
7.10. Metrorail adds five stations between Fish Hoek and Cape Town.
6. October. Casatu (The congress of South African Trade unions ) will strike on the 7th . Casatu asked its members to stay at home to support the action due to the coronavirus pandemic. Casatu has about 2 million members who are working. They plan to have socially distanced pickets and motorcades across all 9 provinces. The strike is primarily about a wage dispute with the government. Casutu said that it is necessary to deal with issues such as transport. Transport is key to dismantling the system of apartheid, especially spatial challenges.
29. 9.2020. The city of Cape Town is implementing recovery plans for potholes after lockdown and rain.
Links
ttps://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/tourists-from-covid-19-high-risk-countries-still-banned-mbalula-e123b995-bc48-4b86-9e82-ecac74d34e9a
Draft report 16-29 September. Covid-19 and transport in the Republic of South Africa. Cape Town.
South Africa, Cape Town
Current cases in South Africa (29.9.2020) 671.669
Current deaths in South Africa (29.9.2020) 16.586
Cape Town
25.9.2020: Cape Town’s international airport is ready to resume flights, but the airport company is waiting for the list of countries from which passengers will be allowed to enter South Africa. Cape Town international airport, OR Tambo and King Shaka international will be the only South African airports that will accept international travellers. The transport minister, who visited the airport in Cape Town, said that they are looking at more options to expand rail services as well as load capacity for long distance taxi travel.
21.9.2020. Cape Town moves to level 1. This means that there will be a night curfew from midnight to 4 am, except when permissions are granted, or when attending a medical or security emergency. Attendance at funerals is limited to 100 people. Gatherings, e.g. faith based, social events, concerts, traditional council meetings are limited to 250 indoors, and 500 outside. Gatherings at e.g. bars or gyms are limited to 50% capacity. The sale of liqueur is permitted from 9am -5 pm (Monday-Friday). A person must not be evicted from his/her home/land unless a competent court has authorised this. From the 1 October all travellers from the African continent and outside the African continent will resume, if the countries have a low rate of infection, and if the travellers provides a negative covid-19 test conducted within 72 hours of the date of travel. Bus and taxi services can carry maximum 70% of their capacity for long distance travel, and 100% capacity for short travels.
Other
28.9.2020. The manager of Cape Town Central city improvement says that there has been a spike in crimes since the move to level 1, which is to be expected due to the increased movement of people coming into the city centre.
24.9.2020. A committee member for transport Cape Town says that this is a need for one transport authority to coordinate the entire system – rail, bus and taxi. Most of the buses and taxis sit with the provincial government, except for instance Mycity that rests with a local government. Trains and buses receive operating subsidies, but taxis do not. To receive a license each taxi must be a member of a taxi association which costs between R 30.000 and R120.000. The writer suggest that tax is probably not paid which can incentive taxi associations to get more taxis on the road, which in turn can cause disputes over routes. According to the committee member a formalisation of the taxi industry is needed.
24.9. Unions who represent the workers in the bus company Golden Arrow are gearing up for industrial action in Philippi against changes to their employment conditions which had previously been held in Montana on the 22.9.2020. According to Golden Arrow the dispute is about promotions and does not affect workers in their current occupations. However, workers are concerned that this is incorrect and are concerned about their wages.
22.9. The transport minister announces that South Africa is expected to open its international borders on the 1 October and will adopt a risk-based system (high risk or low risk) selecting which countries will be allowed to enter. A traveller must produce a negative covid-19 test conducted within the last 72 hours, and if they cannot, they will have to quarantine at their own expense. All commercial seaports will open. Daily commuters from neighbouring countries will be allowed to enter. 35 land borders that are currently closed will remain closed.
21.9.20. Cape Town international airport is piloting thermal cameras to reduce the risk of covid-19 for travellers.
19-20.9.2020. Two golden Arrow buses were set alight.
17.9.2020. Metrorail has added Muizenberg and Fish Hoek stations to the Southern Line on its weekday rail services.
Links
Draft report 1-15 September. Cape Town
Current cases in SA 15.9.2020: 650.749
Current deaths in SA 15.9.2020: 15.499
14.9.2020. The South African government publishes new lockdown directives opening pre-schools and care homes. This will also involve a number of changes in the transport sector regarding the evacuation of South African nationals or people with permanent residency to the republic, humanitarian operations, the transportation of fuel, cargo and goods, the repatriation of a foreign national to their country of nationality or permanent residence, medical emergencies if life-threatening conditions, the movement of diplomatic staff and international organisations and the return of SA national or permanent residents to their place of employment, study or residence outside of South Africa.
11.9.2020: The western Cape cabinet will meet on Friday to discuss the reopening of the economy, e.g. the provincial government plans to make a call to allow international travel.
The minister of transport in western Cape will finish his garden route district visit on Friday (a 3-day-visit) where he has met with minibus taxi leaders and municipal officials after months of escalated tensions.
The transport minister says that more than 200.000 taxis operate illegally and has invited for talks regarding regulating the industry. The current approach that relies on provincial structures fails to address that taxi drivers are complying with the law. The minister said that the leadership of Santaco (South African national taxi council) is often contested.
10.9.2020. The national state of disaster will now last until the 15 October. The cabinet continues to urge the public to use masks, social distancing and hand washing.
9.9.2020. The minister of health revealed that South Africa will soon move to level 1 (no date). The health minister said that there is a need for people to start earning an income without needing further assistance from the government.
8.9.2020. Premier Alan Winde says that it is important that people in the province continue to stick to covid-19 rules despite the drop in cases.
According to the transport and Public Works MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela 56 have been killed and 106 arrested in the western Cape Taxi war in 2020. He has had several meetings with Cape Amalgamated Taxi Associations (Cata) and Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta) concerning the current taxi related violence.
The city of Cape Town’s transport committee has said that PRASA (a rail agency of SA) has failed to get the central line up running even before the pandemic, despite the president’s promise that it would run in September 2020. The committee’s chairperson said that although vandalism continued to play a role in the state of the central line, PRASA has played a leading role in not ensuring that the necessary safety measures have been put in place.
3.9.2020. The western Cape wants to further open the economy as the coronavirus cases drop. A latest analysis shows that some people may have immunity to the virus. Covid-19 surveillance is planned for the next 18-24 months (mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing)
Other
12.9.2020. The bus company Golden Arrow is appealing to come forwarded regarding information on the attacks of their busses offering a reward of R200.000.
10.9.2020. The passenger rail agency of SA (PRASA) have stated that vandalism and theft of railway assets has been a major cause of distraction to the railway network (e.g. theft of copper cables). The group has begun searching for solutions to the railway problems.
10.11.2020. The Nyanga policing forum says that the city’s failure to maintain roads in Nyanga, Philippi and Crossroads has contributed to increased levels of car hijacking and smash and grabs (also caused by the throwing of water for washing clothes). It has prohibited firefighters, ambulances and police cars from accessing the areas, e.g. due to ambulances getting robbed.
9.9.2020. A schoolgirl in Nyanga has started an ehailing taxi service for women only with the aim of providing safe transport for women. The company has started operating at the end of August
8.9.2020. The president of Santaco says that there is a lack of political will to formalise the taxi industry which leads to more killings. More than 50 people have been murdered at ranks since the start of 2020. Often the perpetrators are not arrested by the police.
4.9.2020. A study by Western Cape government and Institute for Security Studies (ISS) researchers shows that when lockdown restrictions were eased in Cape Town (a focus on Khayelitsha, Delft and Philippi (inclusive of Hanover Park)), murders have increased.
3.9.2020. Metrorail temporarily suspended its services due to power supply issues.
A bicycle hub in Langa offers food deliveries, including delivering food to patients with covid-19. The hub has been refurbishing old bicycles, and they are keen to see more women and children on bicycles.
A south African electric scooter company has launched its services in September 2020. It works through a mobile application, similar to uber.
Links
Draft report 18 August to 1 September
South Africa, Cape Town.
Current cases: (1.9.2020): 627,041
Current deaths: (1.9.2020): 14,149
Government initiatives:
25.8.2020. Four airports have been permitted to operate in other areas of South Africa (not Cape Town).Busses, shuttle busses, scholar transport, mini-busses and midi-busses can operate at 100% on trips less than 200 km. Mini-busses and midi-busses can operate at 70% for trips over 200 km.
24.8.2020. Pupils from grade R, 1,2,4,6,9,10,11 return to the classrooms as well as those in schools of skills years (1.2,3). The last cohort will return at the end of August.
20.8.2020. The premier of western Cape, Alan Winde, holds cabinet meetings focusing on unemployment, hunger and poverty. He encourages locals to support small businesses following the move to Level 2.
18.8. 2020: The Western Cape Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizel condems the attacks on golden arrow busses (5 different busses have been attacked in 2 weeks).
Bonginkosi Madikizel meets with taxi operators following incidences of shootings with the aim of increasing security measures at Bellville and other taxi ranks. He made it clear that the people who had the right to operate on the Bellville-Paarl route were the only ones allowed to operate. Police and traffic authorities should identify illegally operating vehicles and restore order on conflict-ridden routes and ranks.
18.8.2020: Level 2 of the lockdown is taken into action on the 18.8.2020 starting from midnight. This means that public parks and beaches will reopen. The ban of the sales of alcohol and tobacco has been lifted. If people do not wear a mask they can be denied access to public transport. All residents must stay at home between 10 pm and 4 am (curfew). Social gatherings are limited to 10 people, religious gatherings/funeral attendance/theatres, weddings, sporting events, live performances to 50 people or less (link in previous report)
Other
29.8.2020. Tourism Business Council of SA (TBCSA) CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa says that opening international borders could salvage the tourism industry which plays a major part in the South African economy.
28.8.2020. Metrorail says that it cannot state when the busiest line (central line) will resume due to theft and vandalism during lockdown. The central line serves the poorest communities: Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Nyanga and Bonteheuwe.
The Ctrack SA managing director Hein Jordt says that the freight sector is far from recovery. The activity has declined by 1.7 per cent in July due to covid-19.
26.8.2020. The Bellville Taxi Rank was closed on the 26 August due to safety concerns following a report of a shooting that could not be confirmed.
25.8.2020. Six busses have been stones in Atlantis, and the attacks are said to be linked to the taxi operators.
A survey finds that covid-19 is widening the gender gap with women being particularly vulnerable. Daniela Casale says that the NIDS-Cram survey revealed that women lost their jobs faster than men during lockdown and also had to manage childcare due to school closure
24.8.2020. Metrorail is expected to resume its operations on the Cape Flats Train service.
The Mitchell’s Plain scholar transport project says that taxi drivers transporting children to school are left without an income during the covid-19 pandemic. As children are only going to school some days a week, and parents sometimes drive them themselves during the pandemic, taxi drivers lose out on their income and sometimes go without food.
The two operators, the SA National Small Bus Operators Council (Sanboc) and the Southern African Bus Operators Council (Saboa) are in a dispute with the Western Cape Education department over a relief fund. They have expressed their concern about a salary drop and their disappointment that they have been left in the dark about the reintroduction of the return following school closures.
The City’s Safety and Security Directorate intends to increase its fleet in the next year to guarantee quicker response and visibility.
19.8.2020. The Golden Arrow bus company says that they have spent an excess of R19m in order to replace busses that are damaged by criminals. A R200.000 reward is being offered for information about these attacks.
A Mayco member for safety and security says that police investigations/prosecutions are needed to reduce public violence across Cape Town.
17.8.2020: The bus company golden arrow pleads the police for help following an attack on Monday when bus drivers and Cape Town’s fire rescue officers came under attack.
Links:
Draft report 1-17 August 2020.
South Africa, Cape Town
Current cases in country (17.8.2020): 587,345
Current deaths in country (17.8.2020): 11,839
Government interventions:
17.8.2020. Announcement: Level 2 of the lockdown is taken into action on the 18.8.2020 starting from midnight. This means that public parks and beaches will reopen. The ban of the sales of alcohol and tobacco has been lifted. If people do not wear a mask they can be denied access to public transport. All residents must stay at home between 10 pm and 4 am (curfew). Social gatherings are limited to 10 people, religious gatherings/funeral attendance/theatres, weddings, sporting events, live performances to 50 people or less.
16.8.2020. The Western Cape Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela will meet with taxi industry leaders following shootings at Belville Taxi rank. The violence is meant to be caused by ongoing feuds between taxi operators.
The city wants residents to walk more when possible. The city of Cape Town plans to expand pedestrian walkways with 2 years. This will focus on 34 streets.
14.8.2020. If passengers in a vehicle are not wearing masks, drivers can be fined R1000 (open to interpretation when same household). If approached by a police officer, all passengers must wear masks.
13.8.2020. The South African president has extended the state of disaster until 15.8.2020. More freedom is expected under level 2. Most sectors are expected to reopened, but with people wearing masks, physical distancing and hand sanitising. The cabinet has been advised to lift the ban on selling alcohol but with restrictions of how much they can buy. The opposition party leader John Steenhuisen said in a statement that the ban on selling alcohol and tobacco should be lifted, schools and borders should be opened, and the state of disaster ended.
3.8.2020. The transport department has released its plans for the upcoming national taxi indaba (meeting) that will focus on converting taxi businesses into corporate entities. The taxi operators are urged to enforce a code of conduct for operators – e.g. focusing on non-compliance and legally binding mechanisms for a single industry representative body. This will also include severe penalties for taxi operators involved in conflict. The National Taxi allowance spokesperson has welcomed the indaba arguing that the government should modernize the taxi industry that is affected by violence, drug dealing, alcohol and prostitution especially at taxi ranks. The spokesperson said that the government needs to build health facilities, police stations, traffic departments and creches near ranks.
The Southern Line in Cape Town is operating but with reduced services. They have temperature checks and signs that remind passengers of physical distancing. Travelling is only permitted between 4 am and 10 pm.Minibus takes are still allowed to load at 100% of their passenger capacity and 70 % for longer distance trips. MiCity busses, GABS buses, ehailing services and metered taxis can now load 100% of their passengers. Domestic flights have started (at Cape Town international airport + two other airports in other cities) but under strict conditions. All travellers have to wear face masks, and temperature checks will take place when entering the terminal building. Travelling between provinces for leasure is not allowed, but this can be done within a province.
4.8.2020. The fund awarding unemployment insurance fund grants is still processing a new covid temporary employee/employer relief scheme for April and May 2020. The new extended period will end on the 15 August.
Other
14.8.2020. Three Golden Arrow busses have been set alight by protesters, and the N2 has been blocked temporarily. No injuries were reported but the busses were severely damaged. Two taxi operators were wounded following two shooting incidents at Bellville taxi rank.
12.8.2020: Transnet have dismantled a command centre it set up in earlier stages of the lockdown and has instead made it part of regular operations – for freight and transport operations.
6.8.2020: Protests have taken place in Cape Town (Philippi East, Kraaifontein and Hout Bay). A Golden Arrow Bus and small businesses were torched, and the police had stones thrown at the them. The protests are said to be caused by lack of electricity and jobs.
The deal between the city and the Golden Arrow Bus service to have law enforcing officers on busses is non-existent, according to Sisonke Mlamla, who wrote an article in Capeargus. Crime against passengers and bus personnel continues.
5.8.2020: From the 6.5.2020 to the 28.7.2020, 28.329 excess deaths have been recorded, largely due to covid-19. A report conducted by researchers at SAMRC and UCT Centre for Actuarial Research highlights that one of the reasons for excess deaths is due to people not reaching health clinics on time, caused by e.g. lack of transport, delayed transport or hospitals being unable to receive them.
4.8.2020: The port of Cape Town has all its marine crew back on duty and continues to ramp up operations.
Links
Draft report 18.7.2020-31.7.2020
South Africa – Cape Town
Current cases in South Africa [31.7.2020]: 482, 169
Current deaths in South Africa [31.7.2020]: 7812
Government initiatives
31.7.2020. 10.000 informal traders will in the coming weeks be given tool hits to prevent the spread of covid-19. 3 litres of hand sanitizer, ‘a social distancing mat’, two cloth masks, a tool kit bag and a beanie with information correct use. The first phrase of beneficiaries include those who live in the worst hotspot areas. Those who are in possession of permits will be contacted via sms to hear if they are interested in collecting the tool kits.
29.7.2020. On Wednesday the 29.7.2020 the city of Cape Town announced that they will update informal settlements. The council wants to build 400 houses for a disadvantaged community.
26.7.2020. The Cape Coloured People’s Congress says it plans to shut down operations (eg. the metro) due to poor service delivery in coloured communities and unemployment. The major of Cape Town, Plato says that the police must stop the organisers in their attacks.
Other
27.7.2020. Protests are taking place in Cape Town. A group called Gatvol Capetonian at the metro, but other protests took place in other parts of the city – they are protesting to raise awareness of backyard dweller’s plight. Some roads have been closed.
25.7.2020. A shopright truck was petrol bombed. Protests are taking place, and vehicles are being stoned. The protests are reportedly related to land invasion.
Links
Draft report 4.7.2020-17.7.2020
Current cases 17.7.2020: 324,221
Current deaths 17.7.2020:4669
Government initiatives:
13.7.2020. The Minister of social development Lindiwe Zulu makes a statement about the payment of the Special Covid-19 Relief of distress grant. They have received over 7.5 million of applications through USSD, digital, whatsapp and email. 4.423720 of these have been approved. Lindiwe Zulu has announced a universal income grant to help the country’s unemployed. She did not say what the size of it would be or how it would be funded, but is expected to be paid post October 2020. This is still not approved.
13.7.2020. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on the 12 July in the evening that there is a ban on alcohol sales and distribution, as well as a curfew from 21:00 to 04:00. Taxis can operate at 100% capacity over short distances and at 70% capacity over long distances. Taxi drivers are responsible that passengers wear masks. All non-essential movement is not allowed during the curfew. Those travelling during these times must have a permit that verifies that they are performing an essential service. It is required to wear a mask or cloth to cover the nose and mouth in public.
7.7.20. Taxi violence in Western Cape has claimed the lives of 40 operators since January. Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela held a meeting on the 6. July with the taxi associations yesterday in an attempt to resolve the shootings. The article in Cape Times has no mention of covid in relation to this. The national Joint Operational and intelligence structure made up of various government departments issued directions to law enforcement agencies that the national truck shutdown should be policed efficiently.
Other
15.7.2020. Professor Shabir Madhi, professor of vaccinology at the University of the Witwatersrand says that the government’s new approach that allows taxis to operate at 100% capacity is not backed up by science. Madhi is a member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) but did not speak on behalf of this.
A survey has been conducted in Cape Town (Nids gram survey) during lockdown. It reports a significant increase in hunger and unemployment (3 million jobs lost and 1.5 million workers furloughed).
14.7.2020. My city bus fares have reduced since the introduction of covid-19 due to the drop for fuel worldwide. A monthly pass is reduced fromR850 to R790. Micity busses are limited to 50% capacity.
13.7.2020 The South African Bus operators’ associations (SABOA) says that it costs about 1.3 million rand every day for the contracted public bus transport sector to adhere to the hygiene and safety procedures implemented during covid-19. There are 7500 contracted busses. The manager says that SABOA has requested financial assistance from the government. Saboa is involved with the national, economic and labour council/Business for Africa in finding equitable relief measures for the industry but no aid package has been approved.
11.7.2020. There have been violent attacks against freight road operators in the last few weeks in Cape Town. The attacks have been condemned by the government.
8.7.2020. The website cape Talk reports that traffic on weekdays has recovered to 65% of normal levels- an increase since May (40%)
1.7.2020. Metrorail started operating at limited services in Western Cape -96 days after it stopped its service.
Weblinks
Draft report 23.6.2020-3.7.2020
South Africa
Current cases (3.7.2020): 168.061
Current deaths (3.7.2020): 2844
Government regulations
1 July: South Africa’s health minister warns that they might reinstate the lockdown if the coronavirus cases/deaths continue to rise.
23 June: The Transport and Public works MEC, Bongingkosi Madikizela met local taxi industry role players at a taxi rank and said that Santaco (the South African National Taxi council) had agreed not to advise its members to go on strike because the transport and public works department was engaging with them in good faith. According to Bongingkosi a relief fund for the taxi industry is insufficient and was not intended to compensate for loss of income. He said that grants could be utilized through Red Dot system launched on the 18 May, a system that transports health care workers. Santaco, in western Cape, has agreed that they will not hike fares for commuters, since they are transporting the poorest of the poor.
Other:
30 June: The South African transport and allied worker’s union (SATAWU) in Western Cape has said that employees working for the bus company Golden Arrow fear that 300 of them will be fired. The union representative said that five transport workers at Golden Arrow have died and 100 infected.
29 June: Taxi operators (the South African National Taxi Council and the National Taxi allowance) have decided to go against lockdown rules and fill their taxies to 100% capacity on Monday the 29 June 2020. They are not happy that airlines can fill their planes, whereas they can’t fill their vehicles. Western Cape National taxi council announced that they have lost a lot of income due to the pandemic.
24 June: Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) restores its berthing ‘gangs’ to five following staff shortage after covid.
21 June: On Saturday the 20 June Micity busses were stoned and set alight by protesters in Cape Town (Milnerton and Dunoon)
10 June: Santaco (South Africa National Taxi allowance) will hold a press briefing on the 15June and will discuss fare increases. Initial reports on a massive protest to be held on the 22 June remains unconfirmed.
19 June: In a video, residents of Kayelitsha, one of Cape Town’s townships, explain the fear of entering taxis, touching surfaces and standing in lines without social distancing. https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/watch-masks-taxis-and-fear-how-covid-19-has-changed-khayelitsha-20200619
Links:
South Africa
Draft report 6.6.-23.6.2020
Current cases (23.6.2020): 101,590
Current deaths (23.6.2020): 1,991
Government regulations
21-22.6.2020. Thousands of taxi commuters are left stranded in Gauteng due to a lockdown and a taxi strike after a stalemate with the government over a covid-19 relief packing. The police are throwing rubber bullets due to protests. Taxi ranks are still open in Cape Town but not in Gauteng. The government condemns the violence.
19.6.2020. Exercise is permitted at all time in South Africa which was previously restricted to certain times of the day. People are still encouraged to stay at home, and have to wear a mask when they go out. Parks, beaches and other public places remain closed in Cape Town.
15.6.2020. The minister for women, youth and persons with disabilities recommends people to have a friend or relative to call if they need help and create a code to get in contact with a safe person. The minister urges communities to work with the police to report tip-offs.
13.6.2020: The minister for women, youth and persons with disabilities speaks up about gender-based violence in South Africa and the need for action. She mentions that the Cabinet approved the gender-based violence Policy Framework in Post-School Education and Training System. The incoming council is setting up a gender-based violence fund.
12.6.2020. The department of transport intends to take over the functioning of the public transport networks that are struggling in five cities. This includes mainly bus transit systems (BRTs). They are also looking at high speed rail systems.
Other
16.6.2020. Families are spending 30 % more on food, and many families run short of food within 2 weeks, a researcher (Julie Smith) highlights on a radio show. The minimal wages are R3247 and the cost of a food basket is slightly more. The lockdown is affecting women and young people in particular. They can no longer shop in several shops to save money but due to transport regulations, they must stick to one shop.
15.6.2020 Gender based violence and killings have increased during lockdown especially against women and children.
An article (in Good governance Africa – gga) highlights the constitutional issues that have issues following police arrests. Most of the lockdown regulations issued by Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma were declared unlawful in terms of the Disaster Management Act, and the minister now has to review and amend this.
10 June. The airports are working on extra security when international travel opens beyond business travel. This will involve travellers scanning their own boarding passes and handling their own luggage when being scanned
Links
Draft report 23.5-5.6.2020
Confirmed cases (5.6.2020): 40,792
Confirmed deaths (5.6.2020): 848
1.6.2020. Businesses can operate and workers can travel to and from work. Employers have to issue permits when employees have to travel to hot spots, e.g. travelling between provinces, metropolitan areas and hotspots but this is a cautious approach. Businesses and institutions with more than 100 employees have to minimize workers at the workplace, e.g. by introducing shifts and the rotation of workers. The president announced that the country will go from level 4 to level 3 on the first of June. Following this, there are changes in the transport sector. Long distance public transport will be allowed to operate as there will an increase of learners returning to school. Such travel is restricted to people undertaking work permitted under alert level 3. Persons who are moving to a new place of residence. Those who are caring for immediate family members. Learners who are returning to schools or higher learning institutions. The movement of children. Members of parliament performing oversight duties. The attendance of funeral. Transportation of mortals remains. Transport for obtaining medical treatment is allowed. Transport for persons returning to their place of residence from a quarantine facility. Public transport is permitted throughout the day but some restrictions are in place. Minibus-taxis can take 70% of their loading capacity. Buses must take only 50% of their loading capacity, taking standing passengers into account. E-hailing and metred taxis, shuttle, chauffer and charter services can take 50% of their capacity. Only vessels that bring in cargo are permitted to operate at the ports. Limited domestic air travel will be allowed. International travel is prohibited
Other
3.6. 2020. Bolt reduces it transport fares to receive more customers (email advertising).
3.6. 2020.Yebo fresh (a local delivery service) is helping townships access food
25.5.2020. The lift of the e-commerce ban has been a lifeline for contactless drivers doing deliveries.
Draft report 9.5-22.5.2020
South Africa
Current cases (22.5.2020): 19.137
Current deaths (22.5.2020): 369
Government measures
21.5.2020: The city of Cape Town’s homepage describes the following measures when taking public transport. You should not travel if you are ‘vulnerable’ (ill or 60 years and above). You should avoid contact with others and stay 2 metres apart. You should wear a mask, open the windows to allow air to circulate the vehicle, avoid touching surfaces e.g. handrails and doors, use exact money for bus fares as well as hygiene measures – washing your hands, sneezing into a tissue/elbow and hand washing.
19.5.2020:
The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) and SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) have welcomed proposed financial support by the government to the taxi industry during the lockdown.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said he would outline his plans next week on how the government would financially support the industry during the lockdown.
Other
19.5.2020: A red dot taxi service is launched to provide transport for health care workers – comprising 100 minibuses. They will follow strict safety/hygiene protocols
15.5. 2020:Screening and testing measures have been introduced at MyCiti and Golden Arrow Bus service depots for staff, along with putting up lines for social distance adhering at 42 public transport interchanges across the city. Members of the committee on governance and traditional affairs held a meeting with the metros. The committee members appealed to the metros to ensure hard monitoring
11.5.2020. A website outlines what employers must do during covid19. The department of corporative governance published the following rules on the 29 April. The employers must provide safe transport for employees including: personal hygiene, social distancing, arrangements to minimize exposure associated with commuting (cloth masks and PPE)
Draft report 25.4.2020-8.5.2020
South Africa
8.4.2020. Cases: 8232. Deaths 161.
1.5.2020. South Africa has moved to level 4 of the lockdown. This means that local transport allowed to operate but social distancing measures apply, and with a restricted number of passengers. Rail, ocean, and road transport is permitted for cargo. Repatriation flights will be allowed. For people in the catering sector, they can do deliveries only. People are allowed to leave their house between 6 am and 9 am for exercise in their neighbourhood, and there will be a night curfew between 8 pm and 5 am. Businesses can resume, e.g. mines, factories and agricultural businesses, but they can start with only a third of their employees. South African citizens can return home on repatriation flights but need to be quarantined. Postal services and courier services are allowed.
No crowds are allowed. Hairdressers, hotels and guesthouses cannot start their businesses. The ban on international and domestic flight travel remains. Recreational visits are not allowed. No travel between provinces is permitted, except if there are exceptional circumstances. Schools are still shut, but should reopen on the 1 June (grade 7-12 only).Facemasks are mandatory in public.
Other
28 April: Violent crime, and traffic accidents drop most likely due to restrictions on movement and the ban of the sale of alcohol. Domestic violence increases. People in poor neighbourhoods struggle to find food. Charitable individuals trying to deliver food experience harassment from the police.
Links:
Draft report 11.4-24.4.2020
South Africa
3953 cases 24.4.2020
75 deaths 24.4.2020
23 April: The president announced that the lockdown will move from stage 5 to stage 4 on 1 May allowing some businesses to open, and people to go for a walk, under strict measures. More will be updated later on this issue, as the discussions are still taking place.
21 April: The president announced a 500 billion rand ($26.3 billion) rescue package equivalent to 10% of the GDP. 250,000 food parcels will be distributed in the coming weeks.
16 April: The minister of Cooperative Governance made some amendments to the regulations allowing the transport of essential goods and cargo.
10 April. The decision to extend South Africa’s lockdown until the end of April will create an economic disaster, the main opposition party has warned.
7 April. The minister of transport has announced:
(1) A public transport sedan is limited to carrying not more than 50% of its
permissible passenger carrying capacity.
(2) During the lockdown period, the following public transport vehicles must
not carry more than 70% of their maximum licensed passenger seating
capacity as follows:
(a) A minibus licensed to carry 10 passengers, is limited to carry a
maximum of 7 passengers;
(b) a minibus licensed to carry 15 passengers, is limited to carry the
maximum of 10 passengers; and
(c) a minibus licensed to carry a maximum of 22 passengers, is
limited to carry a maximum of 15 passengers.
(3) All public transport operators must put measures in place to adhere to
social distancing to curb the spread of COVID -19.
Links
Draft report 1.4-10.4.
Current cases (10.4. 2020). 2003. Deaths 24.
Government implementations
8.4.2020. The president is waiting for scientific evidence to make the decision about whether the lockdown should be extended beyond 16 April.
6.4.2020. Nothing but essential movement is permitted. There is a ban on buying alcohol and cigarettes. No jogging, dog walking or leaving the home except for essential trips is allowed. Prison and fines for law breaking.
3.4. 2020. More than 17.000 have been arrested for defying the lockdown restrictions
2.4.2020. Essential workers still need to travel and rely on transportation. On Wednesday the 1.4. the transport minister allowed the taxis to load at full capacity, but later in the evening took this out of effect (now 70% capacity)
Other
25.4.2020. Our in-country team sends material about one of the townships we worked in. There seems to be no government intervention so far (the link not included due to our need to preserve the anonymity of our research sites)
Links
Draft report 1.3-31.3.2020
Government requirements:
30.3. 2020: 1280 cases. From the 30.3 to the 3.4. busses and taxis will be allowed to operate to cater for the most vulnerable from 5 am to 8 am. (e.g. child grants and grants for the elderly).
23.3.2020. The president announced a national lockdown. No one can leave their homes for 21 days unless under strictly controlled circumstances, including seeking medical care, buying food, medicine or other supplies and collecting social grants. Health workers, emergency personnel and security services (police, traffic officers, military medical personnel and soldiers) are exempted from the lockdown. It will still be possible to get grants (selected days), and homeless shelters and food banks will be available. Pharmacies, banks, supermarkets, petrol stations and health care providers will remain open “non-essential shops will be closed.
20.3.2020. The president announced that foreign nationals travelling from Italy, Iran, South Korea, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and China have been banned from travelling to South Africa. Anyone returning to South Africa from these high-risk countries will be quarantined for 14 days.
19.3. 2020. The minister of transport said the number of people in trains will have to be reduced, and trains might be stopped at a later stage if necessary. There should be no more than 100 people in a space. Universities and schools have closed. This will involve students travelling home
16.3. 2020. The government will strengthen surveillance, screening and testing measures at OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka International Airports. Of the 53 land ports, 35 have been shut. 2 of the 8 seaports will be closed for passengers and crew changes.
16.3.2020. The Cross-border road transport agency (C-BRTA) will ensure screening of truck drivers at in-land borders.
15.3.2020. The South African president said the country is in a state of national disaster. The minister of transport announced the requirement to keep both international and national travel to a minimum (air, rail, taxis, bus]. Travel to work is allowed currently. He said the government will be sanitizing trains, mini-busses and plans and giving surgical masks to staff members. Every train to be cleaned at the end of a trip.
Transport associations
20. 3.2020: South African Airways cancels all international flights
19.3. 2020. The national taxi alliance are requesting proper entrance systems at taxi ranks and financial support.The NTA are partnering with an organisation (Onqela [spelling unknown] 24.22 in podcast link below]) that developed an app that could inform passengers about corona. The NTA is engaging with taxi owners, and wants to teach the public that they have to maintain distance. Drivers are being encouraged by NTA to put on masks and gloves and sanitize vehicles. Passenger should bring exact fare and pay outside the bus to limit infection.
19.3.2020. Uber and Bolt have closed service centres, and encourage drivers to clean cars and hands. However, according to a radio show, uber/bolt refused to appear on a radio show unlike the taxi and train association, and had not given any recommendations to drivers, nor provided equipment.
16.3.2020. The in country-fieldwork had to stop, as it involved face-to-face contact with vulnerable groups. The national lockdown now also means no one will be allowed to move around for these purposes anymore.
12.3.2020: South African airways crew give out masks to passengers displaying symptoms, and the airline staff use gloves.
https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/mbalula-details-transport-interventions-amid-covid-19
Women, transport and employment in Africa 