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7 November 2008

Eastern Cape MEC for Roads and Transport Ms Gloria Barry yesterday launched the Rangers programme during the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) sitting at Emalahleni Municipality.

MEC Barry was joined by NCOP members led by the Chairperson Mr Mninwa Mahlangu, Executive Mayor of the OR Tambo District Municipality Councillor Zoleka Capa and councillors from municipalities within the Chris Hani District, who all expressed sincere appreciation for the programme.

This initiative forms part of the department's Sakha Isizwe Community-based Transportation programme and seeks to reduce the high rate of road accidents caused by stray animals through involving the communities at grass roots level who are the primary victims of such accidents.

In partnership with communities, the department has employed 95 community members as road rangers and they are working in five districts such as Alfred Nzo (eleven), Amathole (fourteen), Chris Hani (forty three), Ukhahlamba (eight), OR Tambo (nineteen), at a cost of R978 000.

The objectives of the programme are to:
* Decrease vulnerability to road accidents
* Monitoring stray animals through community involvement
* Create awareness and ownership of road safety in communities especially in rural areas
* Guard against theft of road fence erected by government
* Poverty alleviation
* Socio-economic development in rural population
* Response to Provincial Growth and Development Plan (PGDP), Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA).

Selection criteria:

* Ward committees and Local Transport Forum select rangers from the communities
* Own a horse and a saddle
* Ability to read and write
* Physical fit and healthy
* Familiar with the geography of the area
* Live or stay in a close proximity to the road concerned
* Be knowledgeable about the communities targeted
* Understanding of dangers posed by animals on the road.

Remunerations (stipend):

* Monthly stipend of R3 000.

Equipment (tools):

* Binoculars
* Reflective protective clothing
* Red flag.

Scope of work:

* One ranger patrols five kilometres
* Fix and maintain fence and gates along the road
* Report accidents
* Assist in scholar patrol and road crossings
* Link with traffic control, South African Police Service (SAPS).

Enquires:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 442 2388

Issued by: Department of Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
7 November 2008