The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo demands that the Department of Transport subject all Great North Transport (GNT) buses to immediate roadworthy tests, with any failing buses being summarily impounded. We will also insist that progress—or lack thereof—on GNT’s turnaround plan be tabled and deliberated upon at the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs.
We are shocked to learn of yet another GNT bus accident, this time at Moratiwa near Monsterlus in Sekhukhune, where the lives of 80 workers and students were jeopardized when the bus overturned. (See photos here and here)
While GNT spokesperson Leo Gama was quoted in the media spinning that “the bus left the depot in good condition on the morning of the accident,” pictures from the scene tell a completely different story—showing worn-out tires with no tread. This is outright criminal negligence! (See photos here and here)
As the Democratic Alliance, we have been at the forefront of calling for urgent action. Yet, all we encounter is spin and denial from Limpopo’s ANC-led administration and executive, while hundreds of thousands of commuters remain at risk.
We recently exposed through SCOPA reports that GNT knowingly operated unroadworthy buses, endangering thousands of passengers and road users; lodged a criminal complaint with SAPS regarding the un-roadworthiness of GNT’s buses; and alerted the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which is currently investigating GNT, over these alarming safety failures.
The DA in Limpopo will not rest until GNT passengers are safe. But when will the ANC-led Administration and provincial executive take action?