Honourable House Chairperson, the ACDP asserts that transport is not merely about moving people and goods. It’s about dignity and access and economic inclusion. When commuters endure crumbling bridges or unreliable trains, and rural communities remain isolated, we fall short of our constitutional obligations.
In this regard, the ACDP calls on the Minister not to pay lip service to the people of Ugu, but to uphold her commitment to quality service delivery by ensuring that the Umzimkhulu River Bridge is repaired and residents are not held hostage by toll fees.
A central concern of this R102 billion budget is the imbalance between new infrastructure projects and the upkeep of existing assets. Our road and rail networks are deteriorating, yet funding priorities remain skewed. Entities such as PRASA and Sanrail require stronger oversight to ensure efficient and transparent use of funds.
The ACDP has decried the decline in rail freight. As freight shifts to roads, logistics costs rise, congestion worsens and infrastructure deteriorates faster. While the establishment of a private sector participation unit is a positive step, it must be matched with decisive rail modernisation, improved security and operational reform.
Road transport receives R39.1 billion for rehabilitation and resealing, which the ACDP welcomes. However, the approximately R90 billion generated through the fuel levy should more directly benefit road users through infrastructure investment rather than being diverted elsewhere.
The ACDP views the Moloto Road Corridor and the N2 Wildcoast project as important economic drivers, but must be executed with strict oversight to prevent corruption, delays and waste. Furthermore, meaningful engagement must be undertaken with affected communities or these projects may become a point of contention and trouble for years to come.
In aviation, governance concerns at South African Airways remain unresolved and the South African taxpayer already struggling with high transport costs cannot be expected to bail out the airline yet again.
The ACDP advocates that this budget will be strengthened when we prioritise maintenance, accelerate rail reform, enhance accountability across entities and invest in technical skills.
As Kingdom builders, the ACDP understands that transport is the bloodstream of our economy, and when it is clogged by inefficiency and corruption, the entire nation suffers. We call for all to commit to a system that delivers reliability, safety and opportunity for all.
Thank you, House Chair.
