In October we celebrate Transport Month, the 19th time since 2005 that South Africans are doing so. And, we do this because the transport sector is essential to our country’s wellbeing.
Imagine the human body and all the veins that runs through it. These rivers beneath our skin carry our lifeblood. They are the undercurrent of life’s pulse, and they work steady and tirelessly carrying all oxygen and nutrients we need to survive. The transport sector are the veins within our nation, and they carry the lifeblood of our economy. From distant towns to urban centres, it returns the vital flow of goods and people to sustain industry and life.
In 2024, South Africa’s transport sector teeters between decay and potential renaissance. An intricate web of rail, road, and air networks keeps the nation moving, but corruption and crumbling infrastructure hamper progress.
There are a number of important questions to be asked. Do we have the resources and capabilities to stem this backward tide? Can we make the necessary upgrades to patch the deep wounds in our transport sector, or do we merely have band-aids for a system in flux?
Our transport sector is determining and will determine South Africa’s economic trajectory. Are we heading in the right direction?
At the North-West University, we have undertaken to find answers and provide possible solutions for the problems plaguing our transport sector. We do this through our research, the establishment of partnerships within industry and government as well as through our teaching and learning, where we equip students with the skills and expertise to make discernible, impactful contributions to the sector.
Our theme for Transport Month is , and it all starts here!
