A just transition in the transport sector must be another giant leap for humankind

GOOD as we are in declaring days, weeks, and months of celebration, observation and of focus, we as a country spotlight October on transport and mobility.

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IN SOUTH AFRICA, transport ranks among the top three sources of greenhouse gas emissions, says the author.

(I HENK KRUGER Independent Newspapers)

While of bona fide intent, year after year these spotlights have become nothing but short-term public relations campaigns, primality championed by government, selectively by the private sector and the development and donor community, depending on the issues and its priority on the global stage.

Following energy, water and communications, transport remains a critical door-die enabler and a fundamental necessity for any major economic transformation in any society. From the invention of the wheel, the first steam rail engine and the Wright brothers’ first flight, to our first landing on the moon, innovation in mobility has altered the course of human development.

South Africa's transport sector is dominated by road with extensive port and rail infrastructure in addition to a well-established aviation and maritime industry. Our transport systems are villains and victims of the effect of climate change as they contribute significantly to emissions, while rising climate risks threaten their performance and resilience. Understanding this duality is central to plotting a just, sustainable, and resilient just transition pathway for the transportation sector.