Future Demand Estimation

PT verification surveys conducted in February 2021 during level 1 of the Covid-19 pandemic. The sample surveys were conducted at the following PT facilities in KwaDukuza namely KwaDukuza Main Taxi Rank, KwaDukuza Bus rank, Maphumulo Rank, Glenhills, Thembeni, Shakaskraal and Ballito. Traffic counts and vehicle occupancy surveys that were carried out provided verification of the results from the PT facility surveys.

The PT surveys and traffic counts showed a general decrease in passenger demand mainly due to Covid‑19 and it is estimated that the PT passenger demand for 2021 has decreased by about 28% compare to the project 2019 demand volumes and PT trips also decreased by 32%. The vehicle occupancy however showed a slight increase from an average of 11.1 passengers per trip to around 11.9 passengers per trip. Mainly due to lesser vehicles operating currently.

The survey further showed that minibus-taxis operating from smaller PT facilities do on average 1.2 trips during the AM and PM peak while minibus-taxis operating from larger facilities such as KwaDukuza and Ballito do on average 2.6 and 1.8 trips during the peak periods respectively.

The projected PT demand figures for 2030 show similar levels of demand with just more than 13000 per day compared to 13600 during 2019. This is mainly because of the impact of Covid-19 on the PT and travel in general. Projected PT demand figures clearly show that current levels of PT demand will only be reached by 2030 at an average of 2% growth per annum.

Public Transport Proposals

Public Transport proposals identified and based on IPTN Study for iLembe DM

  • Plan for the integration of feeder / distribution routes to the public transport hubs along main corridors, as identified through the iLembe IPTN study for iLembe DM. The high capacity corridors could be in the form of high capacity and high-quality bus or rail service. Based on the problems associated with rail expansion it is proposed that high quality bus service be planned.

  • Plan public transport intermodal hub in KwaDukuza to accommodate both minibus-taxi and bus services that will link to high quality bus service and trunk route system. This will form part of the urban regeneration project for KwaDukuza.

  • Provision of high-quality intermediate transfer points along the main R102 corridor to allow for linking of high-quality trunk bus service and feeder minibus-taxi services at the following facilities / interchange points: Compensation, Umhlali, Shakaskraal, Groutville, Charlottedale and Gledhow. These can also link to rail service. Detail in terms of possible location of these facilities has already been identified in the iLembe ITPN study and should be used accordingly.

  • Planning for the provision of PT facility in Doornkop to accommodate both bus and minibus-taxi services

  • Upgrading of Ballito minibus-taxi facility and the provision of shelters, seating, ablution facilities and area for informal traders link to offices for minibus-taxi association.

  • Provision for PT stops along the main feeders routes and trunk corridor with shelters and seating next to the roadway

  • Produce an NMT strategy and plan for the municipality

  • Engage in discussions with PRASA to revive the rail service to high quality service

  • Commence with the process of institutional reform as identified in the IDP that will enable KwaDukuza Municipality to fulfil the functions assigned to it under the NLTA.

  • Ensure that PT service are provided to proposed new development to encourage the use of PT over private transport and reduce the need to road infrastructure improvements.

  • Development of a universal access strategy aimed at public transport and the implementation thereof in any new PT facility development

Other Transport Related Proposals

Other transport related proposals include the following:

  • Provide and train an adequate law enforcement unit to regulate the road worthiness of vehicles, and to inspect driver behaviour.

  • The municipality should continue to invest more funding into road maintenance with assistance from the provincial government.

  • Improvement of existing traffic signal timings with the town of KwaDukuza to allow for improved traffic flow and reduce congestion within the town.

  • Provision of street lighting along selected PT routes to improve general safety around PT stops.

Institutional Arrangements

According to the latest 2020 IDP, KwaDukuza Municipality has a Council approved Human Resources Management and Development Strategy and its Implementation Plan. The plan was last reviewed and adopted by Council in June 2016. The Human Resource Strategy is aligned to the long-term plans of the Municipality.

The planned goal and objective of the strategy is to build and strengthen the administrative and institutional capability of the Municipality by implementing the goals listed below:

  • Promote and enhance our competitive total rewards package to recruit and retain top talent.

  • Support the talent development of our employees through professional development, career development, and improved performance management

  • Promote the achievement of work-life balance and wellness in our employees

  • Deliver services, programs, and communications which are highly valued by our prospective employees, current employees, and retirees

  • Foster a diverse and inclusive municipality with a positive work environment

  • Compete for top talent with effective recruitment strategies and efficient recruitment processes