Article 21 Fundamental Freedoms in the Namibian Constitution clearly stipulates in section (1)(e) Freedom of association, which shall include freedom to form and join associations or unions, including trade unions and political parties and section (2) The fundamental freedoms referred to in Sub-Article (1) hereof shall be exercised subject to the law of Namibia, in so far as such law imposes reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the rights and freedoms conferred by the said Sub-Article, which are necessary in a democratic society and are required in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of Namibia, national security, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence. On what basis did the Minister recognize NABTA if there are no ACTS or Regulations prescribing it? In 2010 the same Minister declared the NABTA Congress, in Rundu, null and void, due to lack of representation of all the regions. Now that NABTA held their Congress in June 2013, which had even less regional representation, the Minister Recognises NABTA. How contradictory. This shows that the Minister encourages the chaos that prevails in the Industry, as NABTA officials proclaim they are government; it now shows where it comes from. Even though the majority of operators are members of NPPTA the Minister has been brain washed by NABTA to believing all the lies and misinformation that they only themselves believe. In 2010, at Rundu, the same Minister also stated that he cannot get involved in issues pertaining to Associations so please we need to remember what we say. It proves that all our efforts in co-operating with Government and especially the Ministry of Works and Transport to bring about change and contribute to the betterment of the industry have gone unnoticed by the Minister. This is very sad. NPPTA since its inception has been addressing issues relating to Public Passenger Transport with the Directorate of Transport in the Ministry and have also been involved and made positive contributions to the Directorate where workshops were held trying to address the situation in Public Passenger Transport, in contrast to NABTA officials that have at various occasions walked out of workshops and meetings and even demanded that the Minister call off such workshops as they are against the progress that is being made for the betterment of the Industry. NPPTA have even requested on several occasions in writing, for a meeting with the Minister and until this day we have not received a response. For too long we have refused to be dragged in the war of words and slanderous allegations made against NPPTA and senior officials of the Association. We rebuke these allegations as they are made only to side track NPPTA from its ultimate goals. Taxis, which carry up to 87% of all public transport users, receive no monetary support. It is a forgotten industry, that’s why the White Paper on Public Transport has been left beside the way to collect dust since 2006. It is only due to combined efforts by certain officials and NPPTA that work has begun to finalize this document. If you look at government spending on public transport and you listen to the minister’s statement, you’ll notice that he is ill informed of the situation on the ground, and therefore makes decisions which are detrimental to the upliftment of the industry. NPPTA is sick and tired of the politics, the accusations and the ignorance associated with the industry. Our Vision is for the Industry to have a better working environment and to work together with all stakeholders for the betterment of Public Transport in Namibia. NPPTA has fulfilled all requirements pertaining to establishing this association even though at times we faced stumbling blocks but we endured. NPPTA was registered in October 2012 by the Ministry of Trade and Industry as a Non –Profit Organization, NPPTA held its first inaugural Congress on 8-10 March 2013, where 12 of the 13 regions were represented and elected the first leadership and National Executive Committee under the auspices of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Safety and Security and officials from the South African Taxi Council. Thereafter NPPTA received acknowledgement from the Ministry of Works and Transport on 08 April 2013. As to some this was not enough, NPPTA then also registered with the Labour Commissioner and was finally granted a Certificate of Registration as an Employers’ Association on 7 October 2013 by the Office of the Labour Commissioner. What must the NPPTA still do to be recognised as a Voice of the Public Transport Operators in Namibia? NPPTA have even joined forces with the NTTU who represent the drivers in the Industry, and are also not recognised by the Ministry of Works and Transport, to uplift the Industry. NPPTA also addressed a letter to the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Economics, Natural Resources and Public Administration on 10 July 2013, wherein we requested the support to address issues pertaining to Public Transport. As yet NPPTA has not received any reply on this request. NPPTA and NTTU requests that the Namibian Government in particular His Excellency the President Hifikepunye Pohamba and the Right Honourable Prime Minister Hage Geingob will call the Minister of Works and Transport to order as his statement has opened a can of worms that he will regret. NPPTA also wishes to express their concern and dismay with regard to the recent accident at Aussenkehr in which 139 workers, who were transported on an open truck, were injured. If this was a bus, operators would still be suffering the consequences because Government would have immediately cracked down on the industry. NPPTA does not condone this form of transportation and needs the Namibian Government especially Parliament to implement the Public Passenger Transport Bill with immediate effect. NPPTA demands that the owner of the vehicle should be held liable and that the Ministry of Safety and Security must clamp down on the illegal transportation of passengers, especially workers on open trucks. To all our members, stakeholders that have worked with us and commuters that have supported us since the establishment of NPPTA, NPPTA would like to assure you, as well as the NTTU, that we are committed to the betterment of the industry and will leave no stone unturned in establishing an industry where Public Transport will be the pride of Namibia. In conclusion NPPTA National Executive Committee and Regional Representatives held a very successful meeting in Katima Mulilo over the weekend and endeavour to strive for the betterment of the Industry and now we have been hit below the belt with this sad news. I thank you Nathan Africa NPPTA Secretary General
Posted on: Thu, 17 Oct 2013 09:17:32 +0000
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