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TRANSPORT & PUBLIC WORKS NEWSLETTER | ISSUE # 1 SEPTEMBER 2014

MASAKH’ISIZWE BURSARY PROGRAMME: Kick-start your career

WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL 2014: Department’s projects feature4 12

TRAFFIC OFFICER’S TRAINING: Wesley Morgan reaches his dream

IN THIS ISSUE

2 Editorial

IN THE NEWS

8 MinisterGrantopensFormosa PrimarySchool

9 World-classemergencycentre forKnysnacommunity

10 AsaferEikenfonteinstation forcommuters

14 EPWPworkersbenefit fromlearner’slicencecourse

15 TollfeehikeforChapman’s PeakDrive

FEATURES

4 MASAKH’ISIZWEBURSARY PROGRAMME Kick-startyourcareer

6-7 WORLDDESIGNCAPITAL2014 Department’sprojectsfeature

12 TRAFFICOFFICER’STRAINING DreamscometrueatGene LouwCollege

SERVICES

13 Useofpublicroadsforsportand filmingpurposes

16 DannyCatwantstovisityour primaryschool

18 Enhancingroadsafetyawareness inhighschools

TO CONTACT THE ON TRACK TEAM:

Telephone: 0214839653

Fax: 0214839851

E-mail: Internal.Communication@ westerncape.gov.za

Contents

2 ON TRACK

Editor’s NoteWearedelightedtopresentthenew-lookquarterlyexternalnewsletteroftheDepartmentofTransportandPublicWorks.

TheDepartmentcontinuestoimplementitsstrategy

tobringinskilledgraduateprofessionalsandtoretain

theprofessionalsitcurrentlyemploys.Readthearticle

onpage4onhowtoapplyforabursaryfor2015

throughtheMasakh’iSizweProgramme.Youcanalso

findouthowtheprogrammecreatesexperiential

trainingopportunitiesforprofessionalsonpage5.

TheDepartmentisparticipatingintheWorldDesign

CapitalCapeTown2014celebrations.Browsethrough

thedescriptionsandphotographsonpages6and7

ofnineprojectsthatformpartoftheMotherCity’s

broaderportfolioofinitiatives.Theseprojectsare

proudachievementsfortheDepartment.

Roadsafetyisacriticalproblemacrossthecountry.

Asingledeathisonetoomany.Alargepercentageof

fatalcrashesinvolvechildpedestrians.Educatingchildren

aboutroadsafetyrequiresacomprehensiveapproach

withallrelevantrole-players.Inthisissue,wefeature

awarenessprogrammesandcampaignsrunacross

theWesternCapebyourRoadSafetyManagement

component.Weencouragecrèches,schoolsand

communitiestogetinvolvedintheseprogrammes.

Byworkingtogether,wecanmakeourroadssafer.

Wehopeyouenjoythisissue.

Regards, On Track Team

The majority of road crashes are caused by human error

IN THIS ISSUE

2 Editorial

IN THE NEWS

8 MinisterGrantopensFormosa PrimarySchool

9 World-classemergencycentre forKnysnacommunity

10 AsaferEikenfonteinstation forcommuters

14 EPWPworkersbenefit fromlearner’slicencecourse

15 TollfeehikeforChapman’s PeakDrive

FEATURES

4 MASAKH’ISIZWEBURSARY PROGRAMME Kick-startyourcareer

6-7 WORLDDESIGNCAPITAL2014 Department’sprojectsfeature

12 TRAFFICOFFICER’STRAINING DreamscometrueatGene LouwCollege

SERVICES

13 Useofpublicroadsforsportand filmingpurposes

16 DannyCatwantstovisityour primaryschool

18 Enhancingroadsafetyawareness inhighschools

TO CONTACT THE ON TRACK TEAM:

Telephone: 0214839653

Fax: 0214839851

E-mail: Internal.Communication@ westerncape.gov.za

TRANSPORTANDPUBLICWORKS IS THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY WesternCapeTransportandPublicWorks(TPW)isthebestdepartmentinthecountrywhenitcomestomanagingitsownbusinessandmonitoringitsperformance.

Therecentappointmentofoneofits

staffmembers,RameshMaharaj,tothe

boardoftheSouthAfricanMonitoring

andEvaluationAssociation(SAMEA)

showsthisachievementisnofluke.

Proud winner of four MPAT AwardsInMay2014,thePresidencyhonoured

TPWwithfourManagementPerformance

AssessmentTool(MPAT)awards.

OneawardwasfortheOverallBest

PerformingDepartmentforMPAT2013.

TheotherthreeawardsTPWwonwere

theBestPerformingDepartmentin

HumanResourceManagementwith

astaffcomplementofmorethan

2000,BestPerformingDepartmentin

GovernanceandAccountabilitywitha

staffcomplementofmorethan2000as

wellasBestPerformingDepartmentwith

staffcomplementofmorethan2000.

Tocrowntheseachievements,aday

afterbeingrecognisedasthebestin

thecountry,Rameshwhoisleadingthe

MonitoringandEvaluationteamofTPW,

waselectedasboardmemberofthe

prestigiousSAMEA.

SAMEAaimstosupport,guideand

strengthendevelopmentofmonitoring

andevaluationasanimportant

discipline,professionandinstrument

forempowermentandaccountability.

SAMEAwasfoundedin2005andhas

membersineveryprovince.

RameshattributestheDepartment’s

successtotheabilityofstaffmembers

totakeprideinbeingthebestbutrealise

thattheyneedtoconstantlybeahead

ofthepackbybecomingmoreeffective

andefficient.

HesaidtheDepartmentislookingat

waysofimprovingitsproductsand

servicesforthebenefitofthepublic

anditsclients.“Thedepartmentshould

realisethattheremustbeademandforits

services,otherwiseitwillbecomeobsolete.

Theobjectivewithinthedepartmentisto

beinnovativetoensuredemand,”hesaid.

AccordingtoRamesh,theidealbusiness

strategyoftheDepartmentshould

beanoutcomemodelwhereclients

tellTPWemployeeswhatimpactthe

departmentalservicehadonthem.

“Governmentcannotfunctionwithout

monitoringandevaluation.Wearethe

custodiansoftaxpayers’moneyandwe

needtoshowthepublichowwespend

thatmoney,”hesaid.

ON TRACK 3

PROUD WINNER OF FOUR MPAT AWARDSBack row: Brendon Cloete, Ramesh Maharaj and Joseph Liedeman. Front row: Maretha Manhke and Jacqui Gooch (Head of Department of Transport and Public Works).

Masakh’iSizwe bursary applications for university studentsAre you a South African student at a Western Cape university pursuing studies in the engineering and construction environment fields that are relevant to the Department of Public Works and Transport? Are you in need of financial aid to realise your dreams?

The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme

is offering bursaries to students studying

towards a degree or higher diploma in

the following disciplines: architecture;

building; construction management;

geomatics; civil engineering; electrical

engineering; mechanical engineering;

property studies; quantity surveying;

and town and regional planning.

During term time, the bursaries cover

tuition fees; all prescribed books and

materials and accommodation and

meals (or transport costs). Bursaries

are renewed each year for the duration

of the degree, subject to acceptable

academic performance and fulfilment

of all bursary conditions.

The bursaries are offered on a work-

back basis. In other words, you will have

to work for the public service for a year

for every year you received the bursary.

During your studies you will also need to:

Attendworkshops,learning eventsandmeetingsorganised bytheCentre;

Undertakeacademicvacation placementsatsitesdetermined bytheCentre;and

Participateinservicelearning and/orvolunteerprogrammes organisedbytheCentre.

Preference will be given to financially

disadvantaged female learners from

rural areas of South Africa.

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2014. Applications can

be faxed or delivered to:

Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme

Department of Transport and Public Works

Private Bag X 9185

Cape Town

8000

The 2015 Masakh’iSizwe Bursary

application forms are available on

www.westerncape.gov.za

For more information:Lee Maggott

Assistant Director: Stakeholder Relations

021 483 9545

Lee.Maggott@westerncape.gov.za

The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme team at a recent Career Expo at the University of Cape Town. From left: Lee Maggott, Jo-Anne Beukes, Keenan de Waal, Thurston Highburg, Shaheed Hariby and Marinda Calitz.

4 ON TRACK

CoordinationThe programme was incorporated into the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme in order to provide structured training that meets the requirements of relevant professional bodies. This enables newly appointed graduates and current employees of the Department to acquire the exposure, experience and training they need to register as engineering and built environment professionals.

Training and mentoringThe programme is structured to achieve the training outcomes stipulated by the bodies governing the built and engineering environment professions. In order to develop well-rounded, knowledgeable professionals, mentors have been sourced externally and assigned to trainees via a formal memorandum of understanding. Due to the nature of the Department’s engineering work and limited training opportunities, candidates may be placed within private sector companies, municipalities and other spheres of government for in-service training in a variety of working environments.

Valuable in-service trainingDespite the programme being relatively new, it is starting to reap rewards with many participants already registered as engineering and built environment professionals. Mpfunzeni Matshikiri (33), who is working as a Candidate Mechanical Engineering Technician at John Thompson Boiler and Environmental Solutions in Bellville South for a period of six months, is grateful to be part of the programme. Having completed his BTech in Mechnical Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in 2011, he is determined to make the most of

PROGRAMME BOOSTS ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT PROFESSIONALS

this opportunity. “I am enjoying every moment working here. I am exposed to heavy engineering activities such as the maintenance of boilers, which is my passion. I am developing on a professional level, which could only steer my career to greater heights,” said Matshikiri.

Working Better TogetherGail Echard of the Professional Development Programme says the success of the programme depends on good partnerships with staff, mentors, coaches, candidates, line managers and external stakeholders. “All of these partners are dedicated to driving a successful programme to make a difference in the Western Cape.” For more information, please contact Rubin Petersen on 021 483 5851.

The Professional Development Programme of the Department of Transport and Public Works is creating a growing pool of young, talented and registered professionals to alleviate the shortage of engineering and built environment practitioners in the Western Cape.

Mpfunzeni Matshikiri is benefiting from in-service training at John Thompson Boiler and Environmental Solutions in Bellville South.

Dedicated mentors and coordinators in the Professional Development Programme. Back row: Rubin Petersen (Electrical Engineering), Shaheed Hariby (Architecture), Olwethu Dlulane (Mechanical Engineering) and Coordinators Nomathamsanqa Mazolwana (Quantity Surveying). Front row: External Mentors Raphael Swinny (Electrical Engineering), Istvan Gosztola (Architecture) and Peter Conradie (Mechanical Engineering). 5

Department’s projects feature in World Design Capital 2014 programmeNine Department of Transport and Public Works projects are part of the World Design Capital Cape Town 2014 programme. Every second year, the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design designates a city to be “World Design Capital”. This honour celebrates Cape Town’s use of design to improve the social, cultural and economic life of its inhabitants.

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Mitchells Plain HospitalThis facility is located in a high-value conservation area, surrounded by five hectares of Cape fauna and flora. The hospital was constructed with environmentally friendly materials. It is orientated to maximise natural light and views of the beautiful surroundings. The Mitchells Plain Hospital received a South African Landscapers’ Institute (SALI) award in 2014.

Khayelitsha HospitalThis hospital’s emphasis on effective energy conservation has been recognised with Level 3 carbon footprint accreditation. Energy-saving features include water recycling and passive design to minimise the need for heating and cooling. Low maintenance materials were used to make maintenance as simple and low-impact as possible.

Grassy Park ClinicThis building is designed to maximise natural ventilation. The main waiting area is located between two landscaped courtyards. The waiting area has a high, floating roof supported on tree-like steel columns. This feature echoes the trees in the courtyards and the trees planted on the street to provide shade.

ON TRACK

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Du Noon Community Health CentreThis project is due to be completed in 2014. It will contribute greatly to the quality of community life by providing a high-quality public health centre in Du Noon.

Delft Symphony Way Community Day CentreThis clinic is designed to make the residents of low-income neighbouring areas feel safe and welcome. The pleasant interior helps to make waiting easier. The centre can also be used for public events.

Two Rivers Urban Park (urban regeneration)The Two Rivers Urban Park forms part of the Cape Town Central City Regeneration Programme (CTCCRP). It is situated where the Black River and Liesbeek River meet, 8 km from the central business district. The location is perfect for a park that fulfils human and ecological needs.

Provincial Head Office Precinct (urban regeneration)The “Face of the Province” project accentuates the entrances and upgrades the foyers of the Western Cape Government’s head office. This will enhance the experience of visitors and pedestrians in the surrounding city centre precinct.

Valkenberg HospitalThe development of new precincts is proposed for Valkenberg Hospital, which is currently located on both sides of the M5 highway. This revitalisation initiative is expected to enhance the surroundings and improve the way the facility operates.

Exhibition of departmental worksAn exhibition of major project work undertaken by the Department will take place in 2014 in the public foyer of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament.

ON TRACK

NEW SCHOOL BUILDING OPENS AT FORMOSA PRIMARY

The Western Cape Education Department

(WCED) partnered with the school, the

Western Cape Department of Transport

and Public Works (TPW) and Bitou

Municipality to make this facility possible.

Over 1200 learners are already benefiting.

Formosa Primary is the only school in

Plettenberg Bay with an Education for

Learners with Special Educational Needs

(ELSEN) unit, catering for children with

mental and learning disabilities from

around the area. In addition to the school

programme, Formosa Primary School

also has a specialised ballet department,

with dance forming part of the school

curriculum. Learners are also engaged

in sport, arts and culture. These extra-

curricular activities include soccer,

netball, cricket, mini-cricket, rugby,

as well as drama classes.

Improving learning conditionsThe building incorporates passive solar

design. The roof overhang provides

shade from the summer sun and allows

the winter sun into the building. This

reduces the need for cooling in summer

and heating in winter. Face brick has been

used to facilitate easy maintenance.

A new school building doesn’t just happen…TPW Minister Donald Grant delivered

the keynote address on behalf of

WCED Minister Debbie Schafer, who

could not attend the opening. “A new

school building doesn’t just happen.

It takes years of planning, organisation,

consultations, perseverance and,

unfortunately, some frustrations. However,

despite these challenges, today we stand

together in the new school building

and we officially open Formosa Primary

School. I am delighted to know that

learners at Formosa will be educated in

such a wonderful, stimulating setting.

Of course, the future of this school will

not just be about this new building, its

success will stem from the excellent work

of the committed staff and learners.

“We all know that primary school is

where the foundations are laid for the

future education of our learners. The vital

work that you have to do here should

never be underestimated. Nothing can

beat the effectiveness of a dedicated

teacher. I know it is not always easy,

but you can make a positive impact on

the lives of many children every day of

your lives. I wish you all the best as you

do so in this lovely new facility.”

Principal Colin Wildeman said it was a

historic occasion for the school teachers

and learners. “The new building brings joy

to all. We take pride in it and this school

will continue to do so for generations to

come.” The partners are confident that

staff and learners of Formosa Primary

School find success and personal

fulfilment here.

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Joyful emotions ran high as the new school building was officially opened at the Formosa Primary School in New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay on 1 August 2014.

Bitou Mayor Memory Booysen, Principal of Formosa Primary Colin Wildeman and Minister Donald Grant at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The school hall serves as a community gathering space when needed.

The public spaces are located close to the pedestrian entrance thus reducing the traffic on site after hours and keeping intrusion into the school to a minimum.

ON TRACK

The centre boasts a modern design,

contemporary layout and improved

services for the people of Knysna and

surrounding areas.

The centre has been upgraded from a

4-bed unit to a 160 m2 14-bed unit with

a number of dedicated service areas.

There is now a 3-cot rehydration unit,

a 4-bed nebulisation unit, a 2-bed

resuscitation unit, a 5-bed major ward

and a 4-bed overnight/minors ward.

The separate triage and 3-room

consultation area, as well as the isolation

room and safety observation room,

fracture unit and decontamination

unit are a vast improvement over the

previous single-room facility.

The R37.7m Knysna EC upgrade was

undertaken after headcount statistics for

2009/2010 indicated that Knysna Hospital

was the most heavily used emergency

facility in Eden District.

The Gardens Skate Park under the Mill Street bridge was officially opened by the City of Cape Town and National Skate Collective on 2 August 2014. The park is predominantly concrete, fenced off from the surrounding roads and equipped with lights. It caters for beginners as well as professional users. The design of the park simulates the urban street skating experience by including elements like stairs, rails and benches.

Skateboarders have waited four years for the park to be completed. The long delay was caused by challenges in obtaining approvals. It is situated under a provincial road and the application to use space under a road bridge for this kind of purpose was unprecedented. Department of Transport and Public Works employee Marco Morgan, who is a member of

World-class emergency centre for Knysna communityThe opening of the new Knysna Hospital Emergency Centre (EC) on 28 March 2014 has improved the working environment for staff and enhanced the quality of emergency care for patients.

A skateboarder pulls off a jumping trick at the newly opened Gardens Skate Park. Photo by Bruce Sutherland

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SKATE PARK PROMOTES NON-MOTORISED TRANSPORT

The 14-bed unit at the hospital.

The centre provides services to the people of Knysna and surrounding areas. Photos by Kevin Saunders

National Skate Collective, says the four-metre high fence and access control system will ensure the safety of park users as well as vehicles on the roads located on three sides of the park.

“This flagship park will hopefully be the first of many. We’d like to show how skate parks could benefit people across the city. The National Skate Collective and other organisations are working with the City of Cape Town to establish location, safety and security criteria and to look for possible sites for more skate parks,” said Morgan.

The opening of the park created excitement among skateboarders who were eager to claim their space in a safe, world-class facility. The facility will help to promote non-motorised transport in the Western Cape.

Among district hospitals in the Western

Cape, it was ranked seventh. Over

the last five years, the Western Cape

Government has invested R2.7 billion

in new health infrastructure across

the province. This includes seven new

clinics and community day centres,

seven Emergency Medical Services

(EMS) stations, five forensic pathology

laboratories and two district hospitals.

The Western Cape Department of Health,

the Department of Transport and Public

Works and their partners have added real

value to Knysna by opening this world-

class emergency facility in the town.

ON TRACK

A safer Eikenfontein station for commuters

Minister of Transport and Public Works,

Donald Grant, said he was proud to

announce that the second stage of

the project had been completed.

Last year, the Department bought

scrambler motorcycles for security

patrols to combat criminal activity at

high priority stations in the City of Cape

Town metropolitan area. “Our effective

partnership with Metrorail Western Cape

is yielding results that are in line with the

Western Cape Government’s strategic

objective of providing safe and reliable

public transport for the province. This

project will continue to improve safety for

commuters, and help to curb the impact

of vandalism on Metrorail’s assets.”

The project, a first of its kind, was funded

by the Department through an allocation

of R4 million over two years to pay for:

Atotalof25scramblermotorcyles tobedeployedinkeyareas;and

Highmastlights,tobedeployed attwostationsinAreaNorth (EikenfonteinandVanDerStel).

An estimated total of R8 million in annual

operating costs, including maintenance

and personnel costs, will be absorbed by

Metrorail. Electricity costs for the high mast

lighting will also be borne by Metrorail.

There have been numerous incidents of

violence and criminal activity at stations in

which people have been stabbed, mugged,

and intimidated, particularly at night.

Since the deployment of the scrambler

patrols at identified stations, there

have been four on-the-spot arrests:

two between Eerste River and Lynedoch

stations for cable theft, and another two

between Bellville and Tygerberg stations

for vandalising track boxes.

Metrorail Western Cape Regional

Manager Richard Walker said the

high rate of vandalism at key stations

prompted the Minister’s office to assist

Metrorail by providing funding for much-

needed lighting. He added that the

improved visibility would help commuters

and adjoining communities feel less

vulnerable near hazardous stations.

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Since July this year, commuters have been able to travel more safely after high mast lights were installed at the Eikenfontein train station. This was part of a joint initiative between Metrorail Western Cape and the Department of Transport and Public Works to improve safety at key stations in Area North.

High mast lights were installed at the station. Numerous incidents of violence and criminal activity have been reported at the station.

The station has become safer for commuters especially on the footbridge.

ON TRACK

ON TRACK

Traffic officials explained basic road safety tips to learners and the Department’s Road Safety Management component handed out promotional items. Wearing reflective sashes, the group of learners and their teachers walked on the pavement to the 4-way stop street where they were taught how to cross safely. A demonstration was then conducted on the pedestrian crossing in front of the school to teach learners how to use it effectively.

Jaywalking is generally a problem. Nokuzola Letselebe of Road Safety Management said hundreds of learners cross the 4-way stop street daily on their way to school. “They don’t always know how to use it safely, thus putting their lives at risk by jaywalking. There have been no recent incidents of learners being knocked over, but together with the City of Cape Town, we want this road to be safe for all,” she said.

School Safety Coordinator, Yolanda Hansby, said this intervention is important because it educates learners about how to cross roads safely, to listen and to respond to the actions of oncoming motorists. “These interventions assist the school in making a difference by potentially saving lives,” she added.

OUR GOAL IS SAFE ROADS FOR ALLOn 8 August 2014, the Department of Transport and Public Works partnered with the City of Cape Town to teach road safety to Grade 1, 2 and 3 learners from Watsonia Primary School in Kraaifontein. The event formed part of the Long Short Walk, a global road safety awareness campaign.

Senior Traffic Officer André Conradie explains the importance of the stop sign.

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Provincial Inspector Antoinette Fennie hands out reflective sashes.

The learners and officials walk on the pavement to spread awareness about road safety.

DREAMS COME TRUE AT GENE LOUW TRAFFIC COLLEGE

Wesley Morgan (26) from Clanwilliam always wanted to become a traffic officer. In June this year he was delighted to graduate with a diploma from the Gene Louw Traffic College.

Currently based at the Brackenfell

Provincial Traffic Centre, Wesley says

the last few months in the field have been

an enjoyable experience. “I’ve always

wanted to make a difference and what

better way than to follow my dream? Being

out in the field excites me. The fact that I

can make a difference and save people’s

lives is something money cannot buy.”

Wesley previously worked in the hotel

industry after obtaining a degree in

hospitality management. After some

years, he decided he would rather pursue

his dream career. The influence of his

father Dale, who worked in traffic law

enforcement for almost 40 years, also

played a part. “On many occasions I went

out with him and assisted during floods

and at accidents. I found the job exciting

and adventurous. We were always in a

position where we could help people.”

Gene Louw Traffic College experienceHe said the training course brought him

close to his fellow students. “The physical

training was necessary and helped to

build up a team. We helped one another

to complete the course. Training in

firearms, first aid and self-defence had a

positive effect on our discipline which is

essential for this job. I did not realise how

tough the training to become a traffic

officer would be. However, I have no

regrets. I look forward to my future as a

traffic officer. I’ve benefited personally in

various ways which money cannot buy.

I have learned to become a team player so

that we can achieve our goals together.”

Traffic law enforcement is one of the

most important contributors to road

safety in South Africa. This requires many

dedicated and well-trained traffic officers.

Wesley is an officer who recognises the

importance of his role in making our

roads safer. He is a proud product of the

Gene Louw Traffic College that ensures

that a professional and effective traffic

management service is provided.

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OUR FUTURE PROVINCIAL TRAFFIC INSPECTORSThe Department of Transport and Public Works has recruited and welcomed 43 students from across the Western Cape for a 12 month training course, which started on 11 August 2014, at the Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell. One of the College’s accomplishments is full accreditation with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and South African Police Service (SAPS) as an official institution to facilitate and manage firearm training.

Traffic Officer Wesley Morgan.

ON TRACK

Film crews must also apply for a permit.

Use of public roads for sport and filming purposes

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Municipal roadsThe relevant municipality handles applications to film and for sport events on municipal streets, roads, sidewalks and road verges. The production company or applicant must ensure that normal pedestrian and vehicle access is maintained at all times when filming actually takes place, unless the use of a designated area has been specified in the permit. If a road is to be closed, an alternate route must be available. For more information contact the City of Cape Town on 021 483 9013.

Provincial roadsApplications to use a provincial road for filming or sport purposes should be made to the Department of Transport and Public Works Directorate: Traffic Law Administration. Once the request has been received, the Department will endeavour to approve and confirm the logistical details two weeks prior to the event. The application for filming should contain the following information:

Theroadsthatyouwouldliketouse andtheexactlocationsonthoseroads;

Thetimesanddatesoffilming; Thescenarioorscriptofthe

intendedfilm; Whatthesetwillconsistof; Thenumberofcrewand

vehiclesinvolved; AnydeviationsfromtheNational

RoadTrafficAct,93of1996 (forexample,exceedingthespeed limit,usingaleft-handdrivevehicle ordrivingonthewrongsideofthe road);and

Whetherahelicopterwill beusedduringthefilming.

The application will be referred to the relevant provincial traffic section, which will provide traffic assistance at a cost determined according to the traffic assistance fee structure. Closure of provincial roads should not interfere with traffic for more than ten minutes.

The prescribed form can be obtained for sport and/or other activities on public roads from the Department of Transport and Public Works. The fees are structured as follows: R80 (for administration), R4 400 (filming application) and R1 100 (photo shoot application).

Do you want to use a public road for sport and filming purposes in the Western Cape? You can apply for a permit from the relevant municipality or from the Department of Transport and Public Works depending on whether it is a municipal or a provincial road.

For more information contact the relevant Directorate on 021 483 2075/4177/ 5397/2406.

ON TRACK

You can apply for a permit to use a public road for sport purposes. Photos by Bruce Sutherland.

The beneficiaries are employed at various CapeNature sites in the Western Cape, and came from as far as Knysna, George, Stilbaai, Tulbagh, Ceres and Kleinmond.

The course formed part of the Department’s road safety management initiatives for high school learners and unemployed youth. It is based on the K53 defensive driving system, which covers the rules of the road, road signs, markings and vehicle controls.

Road safety managementIn addition to the standard requirements, the Department added important road safety education elements. Facilitator Soemaya Davids of Road Safety Management says they included road safety messages throughout the course. “We present the importance of pedestrian and cyclist safety, not to use cellphones while driving and what makes a good driver. We want participants to get their learner’s licences and to become conscious and responsible drivers.”

EPWP WORKERS BENEFIT FROM LEARNER’S LICENCE COURSE

Job opportunitiesParticipants were excited at the prospect of getting their learner’s licences and the possible job opportunities that go with that. Lukhanyo Malolengwe (26) from George says he was grateful for the opportunity. “I didn’t pass matric, so I’m hoping that obtaining a driver’s licence will eventually open doors for me.”

Neo Nenxinane (23) from Ceres said: “I hope to get a better job soon. Nowadays, having a driver’s licence is a requirement for many good jobs. I’m not taking this opportunity for granted.”

Davids said that the Department has committed itself to pay for learner’s licence appointments for those who successfully passed the mock test. “Through this course, the Department is committed to providing opportunities for participants to empower themselves without them having to pay training fees or learner’s licence fees at their local traffic departments.”

Fifty Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) beneficiaries were determined to get their learner’s licences through lessons presented by the Department of Transport and Public Works in Paarl from 14 to 17 July 2014.

Participants listen attentively to facilitator Soemaya Davids.

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Get involvedHigh schools and community organisations across the Western Cape can also become part of this initiative for free. The four-day course should have at least 20 participants and as many as 50, with the relevant host responsible for providing a suitable venue.

For more information contact the Road Safety Management component on 021 483 6971.

EPWP beneficiaries from CapeNature who attended the learner’s licence course in Paarl.

ON TRACK

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Toll fees hike for Chapman’s Peak DriveA contractual arrangement between the Department of Transport and Public Works and the Concessionaire provides for an annual increase in the Chapman’s Peak Drive toll tariff fees. The latest increase took effect on 1 August 2014. The increase is linked to the percentage change between the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in March of the previous year and March of the current year, plus 0.4 %.

Discount tariffs still apply to motorists who have pre-registered

with the Concessionaire and those who maintain a minimum

balance of R50 plus one standard trip in their accounts.

Discount tariffs only apply to non-commercial use and vehicle

class 1 (motor cycles, motor tricycles and motor quad bikes) and

vehicle class 2 (light motor vehicles, minibus and utility vehicles).

In order to receive a discount on toll fees, regular users must register with the Concessionaire.

TaxisthathaveregisteredwiththeConcessionaire arechargedataflatrateofR19pertrip.

Registeredfrequentusersreceiveadiscountwitheffect fromthefourthtripinacalendarmonth.Thesizeofthe discountincreases,dependingonthenumberoftrips. Thecountofthenumberoftripsgoesbackto0atthe beginningofanewmonth.

The Chapman’s Peak Drive Toll Plaza.

UserswithavalidWildCardandwho haveregisteredwiththeConcessionaire receiveadiscountfromthefirsttrip. WildCardsmaybeobtainedfrom SouthAfricanNationalParksor CapeNature.

Registeredfrequentuserscanuse acreditcardoracardsuppliedbythe operator.Iftheyusetheoperator’s card,thecardmusthaveR50incredit plustheequivalentofonestandardtrip toll.Nodepositisneededifacredit cardisused.

For light motor vehicles, the toll fees start at R38 for a single trip. Ambulances, police, fire trucks and rescue vehicles with the appropriate licences will be exempted from paying toll fees in the performance of their official duties. For more information on the new tariffs and to view the discount structure table for ordinary frequent users and Wild Card frequent users, visit www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za

IN THE NEWS

ON TRACK

16

Child in Traffic Programme keeps children safeA road safety education programme aimed at children between the ages of 3 and 8 has been made available for some time to primary schools and crèches across the Western Cape.

The Department of Transport and Public Works’ Child in Traffic programme could be just what your community needs to make children, parents and teachers more aware of road safety.

The behaviour of children in traffic is different to that of adults. Studies have shown that children from disadvantaged communities in South Africa often have to walk to school or use public transport alone from an early age. Road safety education should therefore begin as early as possible.

Comprehensive road safety education for children requires the involvement of parents, teachers and other adults in a community. Together we can set a good example for children by consistently adhering to the rules of the road.

Our officials will gladly come to visit your primary school or crèche to run the Child in Traffic programme.

For more information, contact the Road Safety Management component on 021 483 6971.

The Child in Traffic Programme makes children more aware of road safety. Photo by Bruce Sutherland

If your crèche or primary school would like to book a free Danny Cat session, please contact the Road Safety Management component on 021 483 6971.

Danny Cat wants to visit your crèche and primary schoolDanny Cat, a much-loved road safety

mascot, wants to visit your primary

school to teach children from Grade R

to Grade 3 about safety on our roads.

This longstanding initiative by the

Department of Transport and Public

Works is also available to children at

crèches. It aims to educate children

about safety and basic etiquette on the

road. Children hear about road safety

indoors, and then go outside to practice

what they have learned.

These exciting and fun-filled sessions

are creating awareness about road safety

among children and in the communities

they come from. As these children grow

up, they will remember what Danny

Cat taught them. Danny Cat is a role

model for children, teaching road

safety with a specific focus on:

Safeplacestoplay,andcross (pedestriansandcyclists);

Howtocrosstheroadtoand fromschoolatalltimes;

Whatthecoloursofatraffic signal(robot)mean;

Theimportanceofroadsigns suchasstopsignsand pedestriancrossings;and

Visibility:theimportanceof wearingreflectiveandvisible clothing/material,especially atnightorduringbad weatherconditions.

Danny Cat is a role model for children and encourages them to practice road safety together.

ON TRACK

A group of safety patrol officers between the ages of 12 and 13 at Bontebok Primary School (Swellendam) and Merweville Primary School (Prince Albert) are already saving lives. They are proud to be part of the teams that were trained by the Department of Transport and Public Works on 29 and 30 July 2014 to ensure that their schoolmates safely cross the busy road to and from school each day.

17

Five scholar patrol officers use stop signs to control vehicles at the pedestrian crossing. Armed with a whistle, the captain of the patrol gives instructions as to when to stop and go. All members wear bright safety bibs over their uniforms, and caps donated by the Road Safety Management component at the Department. They are always supervised by one or two teachers.

The Department values the importance of scholar patrols as a vital part of road safety education and essential to enhancing the safety of learners. Scholar patrol officers regulate traffic, improve speed reduction and facilitate safe crossing of the road. In addition, this also instils an awareness of the importance of road safety in the minds of young pedestrians.

Know and enforce all safety walking and crossing rulesCoselelo Matomela of the Department’s Road Safety Management said scholar patrol officers also set a good example and encourage all learners to observe the rules of safety. “They have to report for duty on time with the proper equipment and attire. They have to provide assistance to other patrol members which promotes teamwork. They also have to attend regular meetings to discuss problematic traffic and street crossings.”

The scholar patrol programme benefits the school and community A teacher at Bontebok Primary School, Charles Sampson, said the school has run the programme for the past three years. “We haven’t had incidents of negligent driving in the school’s road since then. Motorists respect the scholar patrols and learners benefit from safer access to the school.”

A teacher at Merweville Primary School, Margaret van Heerden, shared the same sentiments. “We’re excited that the programme was introduced at the school. Our scholar patrols are visible ambassadors and we are proud of them.”

The scholar patrol programme is only available to primary schools and where there is a clear need.

For more information, contact the Road Safety Management component on 021 483 9671.

SCHOLAR PATROLS MAKE SWELLENDAM AND MERWEVILLE SCHOOLS SAFER

Scholar patrol officers at Bontebok Primary School use stop signs to control vehicles at the pedestrian crossing.

Proud scholar patrol officers at Merweville Primary School.

ON TRACK

Enhancing road safety awareness in high schools

The project was started by the Road

Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)

in 2003. The RTMC noted that, because

most road accidents involve people in

the age group 18 to 25 years, an effective

way of engaging and influencing young

road users would have to be found. The

Corporation introduced the idea of a

high school debating competition in

the provinces using the World School

Style (WSS) debate format. The ultimate

purpose of the project is to instil a culture

of practical road safety among young

pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, novice

drivers and passengers.

Road safety pre-provincial elimination roundsThe Department’s Road Safety

Management component hosted

pre-provincial elimination rounds in

Samora Machel for about 22 high

schools from the Metropole and Cape

Winelands districts on 2 and 3 August

2014. The event was supported by the

Township Debating League of University

of Cape Town and the Winelands

Debating League of Stellenbosch

University. Teams were assessed and

given feedback on what they could do

to improve their performance. Eight

schools were selected to compete for top

honours at the Provincial Road Safety

Debate competition to be held in Cape

Town on 6 September 2014.

Thembakazi Ntetha, a Grade 11 learner at

the Centre of Science and Technology in

Khayelitsha, found the elimination rounds

extremely valuable. “I enjoy debating road

safety topics as this improves my public

speaking and analytical thinking skills.

It encourages my team to work as a team.

To get inside the heads and minds of the

opposition is something I really admire. Our

team is already preparing for the provincial

competition and we want to win,” she said.

Jennifer Solomons of Road Safety

Management said the Department is

hoping the Road Safety Debate Project

will reduce the number of pedestrians

involved in road traffic accidents. “We are

working together with tertiary education

institutions to raise awareness amongst

high school learners about road safety

problems through developing their

debating skills. We continue to strengthen

these ties to ensure maximum impact

of the project by promoting road safety

awareness together,” she added.

18

The Road Safety Debate Project of the Department of Transport and Public Works is an innovative participatory education approach to promoting road safety awareness amongst young people in the Western Cape.

CHALLENGE THE OPPOSITION Thembakazi Ntetha highlights her argument at the recent pre-provincial elimination rounds.

WORKING TOGETHER Asemahle Wolena, Precious Catsha and Athini Ntilini (all from Vuyiseka Secondary School in Philippi) brainstorm ahead of pre-provincial elimination rounds.

SCHOOL BASED PROJECT

ON TRACK

VALUABLE ADVICE Competing teams receive feedback from university students.

19

Did you know that children are unable to judge speed and distance accurately? The Department of Transport and Public Works encourages parents and caregivers to be active participants in assisting children to develop road safety skills.

If your children walk to school, make sure they:

Always walk on the pavement or footpath or, where there is no pavement, walk facing oncoming traffic;

Look left, right and left again before crossing the street;

Remove headphones when crossing the street; and

Cross the street at corners using traffic signals and pedestrian crossings;

Source: Safely Home - Road Safety Campaign

KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE

Het u geweet dat kinders hul eie vermoëns kan oorskat en nie in staat is om spoed en afstand te skat nie? Die Departement van Vervoer en Openbare Werke moedig ouers en versorgers aan om ’n aktiewe rol te speel in die ontwikkeling van kinders se padveiligheid-vaardighede.

As u kind skool toe stap, maak seker dat hulle:

Altyd op die sypaadjie of voetpaadjie stap; as daar nie ’n sypaadjie is nie, moet hulle so vêr moontlik aan die regterkant van die pad stap sodat hulle die aankomende verkeer kan sien;

Links, regs en weer links kyk voor hulle die pad oorsteek;

Oorfone uit hul ore haal wanneer hulle die pad oorsteek; en

Die pad by hoeke oorsteek met behulp van verkeersligte en voetoorgange.

Bron: Safely Home - Road Safety Campaign

HOU ONS SKOOLKINDERS VEILIG

Ubusazi ukuba abantwana bazithemba kakhulu izakhono zabo kwaye abakwazi kuqikelela amendu kunye nomgama? ISebe lezoThutho neMisebenzi yoLuntu likhuthaza abazali nabakhathaleli ukuba babe ngabathathi-nxaxheba abaluququzelelayo uphuhliso lwezakhono zobuchule zabantwana ngokhuseleko ezindleleni.

Ukuba umntwana wakho uya ngeenyawo esikolweni, qiniseka ukuba:

Usoloko ehamba epevementini okanye kwindledlana yabahamba ngeenyawo; xa kungekho pevemente, makahambe kwicala elijongene nezithuthi ezizayo;

Ujonga ekhohlo, ekunene aphinde ajonge ekhohlo phambi kokunqumla isitrato;

Ukhupha izimameli ezisentloko xa enqumla isitrato; ngokunjalo

Unqumla isitrato ezikoneni ngokusebenzisa iirobhothi nemigca yokunqumla yabahamba ngeenyawo.

Intsukaphi: Safely Home –

Iphulo loKhuseleko eNdleleni

MASIBAGCINE BEKHUSELEKILE ABANTWANA BESIKOLO BETHU

Always walk on the pavement or footpath.

ON TRACK

Report bad driving and get us Safely Home

Motorists and other road users are encouraged to call the

Emergency Traffic Control Centre on 021 812 4581 to report

bad driving. Report incidents on our Safely Home Reporter

at http://www.safelyhome.westerncape.gov.za/reporter

Rapporteer slegte bestuurders en bring ons Veilig TuisMotoriste en ander padgebruikers word aangemoedig om

die Noodgeval Verkeersbeheersentrum op 021 812 4581

te skakel om slegte bestuurders te rapporteer. U kan ook

voorvalle by ons Safely Home Rapporteur aanmeld

by http://www.safelyhome.westerncape.gov.za/reporter

Kuxele ukuqhuba okungalunganga ukuze sifike siKhuselekile eKhaya Kukhuthazwa abaqhubi nabanye

abasebenzisi bendlela ukuba batsalele umnxeba kwiZiko

loLawulo loNxunguphalo ngokuSetyenziswa kweNdlela

apha 021 812 4581 ukuze baxele ukuqhuba okungalunganga.

Kwakhona zixele iziganeko ezinjalo kuMniki-ngxelo wethu

weSafely Home apha http://www.safelyhome.westerncape.gov.za/reporter

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @WCGovTPW

MISSION:The Department of Transport and Public Works develops and maintains appropriate infrastructure and related services for sustainable economic development which generates growth in jobs and facilitates empowerment and opportunity.

EDITORIAL TEAM:Editor: Byron la HoeContributors: Al-Ameen Kafaar, Kholisa Podile, Sophia Lourens, Siphesihle Dube, Gail Eckard, Nadia Ferreira, Lee Maggott, Xolisa Tshongolo, Bruce Sutherland and Stephen Heyns