Brake failure was a major factor in the recent spate of bus accidents, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said on Thursday.
”A common denominator has been a failure of brakes,” he told a South African Bus Operators Association conference in Pretoria.
”Buses involved in these accidents are clearly old and not roadworthy.”
Operators whose buses were involved in accidents due to negligence would be held responsible.
Radebe said all bus operators benefiting from state subsidies would be compelled to renew their fleet and undergo regular testing at authorised facilities.
”The department will act against those transport officials and employees of testing stations who collude to give false roadworthy certificates,” the minister warned. – Sapa