North West Legislature Committee on Community Safety Demands Urgent Action on NTI, Airports and Commuter Transport

The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management chaired by Hon. Freddy Sonakile met yesterday to consider the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management’s first quarterly performance and budget for the 2025/26 financial year.

The Committee noted the overall performance of the Department, but expressed serious concern over Programme 1: Administration and Programme 3: Transport Operations, which both reflected only 50% performance in the first quarter.

On the matter of the North West Transport Investment (NTI), the Committee resolved that MEC Wessels Morweng must, within seven (7) days, report back to the Committee on the payment of salaries to NTI staff. Furthermore, the Committee directed that criminal charges be laid against any individual unlawfully holding the accounts and funds of the entity to ransom. The Committee described the ongoing legal disputes at NTI as opportunistic and aimed at delaying the restoration of services.

With regard to the Ngaka Modiri Molema commuter transport impasse, the Committee resolved that the Department must instruct its legal team to facilitate the conclusion of short-term contracts to ensure uninterrupted commuter services while the matter between the Department and Atamelang Bus Services proceeds through the courts. The Committee emphasized that residents should not continue to suffer due to protracted legal battles.

In addition, the Committee has requested the Department to provide detailed reports on:
• The future of provincial airports and departmental plans for their functionality;
• The relocation of the Zeerust weighbridge;
• The appointment of traffic learnerships, internships, and the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE);
• The condition and functionality of all provincial depots; and
• The SAPS vetting report of all Community Patrollers.

During the current financial year, the Committee will conduct unannounced visits to all departmental depots and immovable properties under NTI as part of its oversight work.

The Committee remains resolute in ensuring accountability, stability in public transport services, and the protection of workers and commuters in the North West.

Ends

Issued by: North West Provincial Legislature: Media & Communications Unit on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management – Hon Freddy Sonakile.

To arrange interviews with the Chairperson please contact Ms. Namhla Luhabe on 079 527 0628.