GDRT

GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF ROADS & TRANSPORT: A BLUEPRINT FOR INCLUSIVE SERVICES

As MEC for Gauteng Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela brings a bold and visionary approach to the department, driving efforts to modernise infrastructure, prioritise sustainable development, and implement transformative community-focused projects. During this year's Transport Month, we highlight pivotal initiatives under her leadership and explore how her commitment to innovation is reshaping Gauteng's transport and infrastructure landscape for the benefit of its people.

With a technology revolution in public services just around the corner, Gauteng is well-positioned to lead the way in smart mobility logistics. The work done by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT), along with its trading organisation g-FleeT Management, is the provincial government's means of introducing a novel method that aims to bring the logistical function for vital public services like health and education up to date. This initiative is expected to revolutionise the way Gauteng's inhabitants receive services - and will be a focal point of the province’s October Transport Month (OTM) 2024 campaign.

The Vision for Smart Mobility Logistics

Smart mobility is no longer a distant dream but a necessity in today’s fastpaced world. It represents the future of logistics, particularly in the public sector where the efficiency of service delivery is paramount. In Gauteng, logistics plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of the province, serving as a key driver for the provision of inclusive services and infrastructure. The provincial government’s smart mobility initiative is designed to enhance supply chain performance and efficiency, thereby ensuring that public services are delivered effectively to all citizens.

The theme for this year’s OTM campaign, “Growing Gauteng Together through Smart Mobility,” encapsulates this vision. It is aligned with the broader Growing Gauteng Together 2030 agenda, which prioritises education, health, infrastructure, and economic development. By focusing on the logistics function, the government aims to improve the supply chains that are vital for public services, particularly in the sectors of health and education.

The Role of g-FleeT Management

At the heart of this transformation is g-FleeT Management, a critical player in the logistics function. As the entity responsible for managing the government’s fleet of vehicles, g-FleeT is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in integrating smart mobility solutions into public service delivery. The entity’s role in this initiative is to provide the necessary infrastructure, technology, and skills development needed to support the province’s logistics function.

g-FleeT’s involvement is not just about managing vehicles;

it’s about reimagining the entire logistics function. This includes the introduction of technology that enhances warehouse and inventory management, end-to-end supply chain visibility, and resource sharing. By leveraging these technologies, g-FleeT aims to create a logistics system that is more efficient, costeffective, and capable of meeting the needs of all citizens, including those in disadvantaged communities.

Enhancing Skills Development

A key component of the smart mobility logistics initiative is skills development. The provincial government recognises that the success of this initiative depends on the availability of skilled professionals who can manage and operate the new logistics systems. To this end, g-FleeT is committed to attracting and retaining young talent through structured programmes and learning opportunities.

These programmes will focus on areas such as warehouse management, inventory management, inbound and outbound distribution management, end-to-end coordination, information system management, big data analytics, forecasting, and demand management. By investing in these areas, the government aims to equip the next generation with the skills needed to drive the logistics function forward.

g-FleeT has also commissioned the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to conduct a study on the current state of Gauteng's public sector supply chains. This study will identify the challenges facing these supply chains and propose solutions that can be operationalised to improve their performance. The findings of this study will be used to guide the development of the smart mobility logistics initiative, ensuring that it is tailored to meet the specific needs of the province.

Through infrastructure upgrades and technology-driven solutions, Gauteng’s smart mobility initiative is set to be a catalyst for economic growth and improved quality of life, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

an innovative track and trace system. The Gautrain has been a gamechanger for public transport in Gauteng, and the government is committed to building on its success. The introduction of the Gautrain has not only revolutionised public transport but has also triggered significant shifts in property patterns and stimulated new developments along its rail lines. As the province continues to grow, the government is focused on ensuring that transport services are of the highest quality, and provided in a smarter and more efficient manner.

Expanding Licensing Services to Communities

In addition to improving transport infrastructure, the GDRT plans to expand their network of smart Driver License Testing Centres (DLTCs) at various township malls, making it easier for residents in Townships, Informal Settlements, and Hostels (TISH) to access licensing services. These centres, which are technologydriven, cashless and customer-centric, will offer a comprehensive range of solutions, including vehicle license renewals, driving license applications, and renewals. The department intends rolling out 16 new facilities by the end of the 2024/25 financial year.

Phase 1A of the project has already seen the completion and operation of a pilot site at the Mnandi Shopping Complex in Atteridgeville, with additional sites in Soweto, Mohlakeng, and Mamelodi. Phase 1B will introduce nine more locations, including Tshepiso Crossing (Sharpeville), Soshanguve Crossing (Tshwane), Moloto (Rethabiseng), and Orange Farm, Palm Springs, and Lenasia, all expected to be completed by the end of the financial year.

The MEC highlighted that two mobile licensing units, including learner license classrooms, are already linked to the Xavier DLTC in Johannesburg. Additionally, two more mobile units for driver and vehicle license renewals have been delivered and are awaiting the installation of Smart Enrolment Units by the Driver License Card Agency (DLCA).

The Sebokeng DLTC project is also set to begin construction in October 2024, with procurement already approved for the 2024/25 financial year.

The expansion of licensing services is part of the government’s broader effort to promote socio-economic development in TISH areas. By providing residents with easier access to licensing services, the government aims to empower communities and drive economic growth.

g-FleeT Management: Driving the Merchant Development Programme

g-FleeT Management is playing a pivotal role in supporting township businesses through its Merchant Development Programme, an initiative launched as part of the OTM 2024 campaign. The programme addresses the challenges faced by township enterprises and promotes economic revitalisation in disadvantaged areas.

A key component of the programme is the state-of-the-art Panel Beating and Apprenticeship Training Workshop, launched during OTM last year. This facility provides essential services such as mechanical repairs, panel with legislative requirements and performance reporting standards.

Head of Department, Dr. Thulani Mdadane

The absence of material findings in relation to performance objectives and compliance with legislation further reinforces the robust governance frameworks that are in place. This milestone is not only a reflection of internal controls but also a demonstration of leadership that prioritises financial discipline.

The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), a sister entity under the GDRT umbrella, also continues to uphold a high standard, marking its tenth consecutive clean audit. This achievement places GMA among the province's most consistently well-managed entities, a testament to the leadership and governance practices that drive the organisation. The ability of these organisations to sustain such high standards across multiple years is a clear indication of a deep-seated culture of accountability, transparency, and integrity.

Leadership Recognition and Commitment to Excellence

Head of Department, Dr. Thulani Mdadane, expressed his pride in this achievement and praised the collective efforts of the staff in making this accomplishment possible. “This success is a clear reflection of the Department's unwavering commitment to upholding accounting standards," Dr. Mdadane remarked.

"It is critical that we resist complacency and remain focused on our internal procedures and guidelines, which have been instrumental in securing our clean audit status." - Dr. Thulani Mdadane

"Over the years, we have implemented and maintained rigorous internal controls, including stringent financial management practices. We have also instilled culture of strict performance management as a nonnegotiable standard across all levels of the organisation. These systems are pivotal in our ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of our operations."

Dr. Mdadane further emphasised the importance of building on this success by sustaining the current audit outcomes. He cautioned against any relaxation in adherence to internal processes, stressing that continuous vigilance is essential to maintaining high standards in financial and performance management. "It is critical that we resist complacency and remain focused on our internal procedures and guidelines, which have been instrumental in securing our clean audit status. These measures will ensure we remain effective in our mandate and continue delivering the expected outcomes," he stated.

Furthermore, Dr. Mdadane highlighted the importance of skills development within the department. Investing in staff training and upskilling has been a key focus, ensuring that employees remain competent and prepared for the evolving demands of financial governance. He also acknowledged the role of innovative technologies in enhancing internal auditing processes, which has been instrumental in ensuring efficiency and accuracy.

Building on Success for Future Milestones

The Department’s achievement sets a positive precedent as it prepares for upcoming strategic initiatives, including the October Transport Month (OTM) 2024 campaign. With a theme centred around "Growing Gauteng Together through Smart Mobility," the campaign is poised to showcase several transformative infrastructure projects designed to stimulate economic growth and improve transport systems across the province. These projects not only promise to bring tangible benefits to Gauteng's citizens but also underscore the province’s commitment to modernising its infrastructure and transport networks, further solidifying its leadership in the national transport sector.

As the GDRT and its entities continue their journey of operational excellence, these audit outcomes serve as both validation of past efforts and motivation for future achievements.

By fostering a culture of accountability, financial prudence, and performancedriven governance, they are wellpositioned to lead Gauteng's transport sector into a new era of innovation and growth. The achievements of this financial year serve as a stepping stone towards even greater accomplishments, ensuring that the department remains a trusted custodian of public resources while delivering on its mandate to create a sustainable and efficient transport ecosystem.

A Bright Future for Gauteng's Logistics Function

As Gauteng moves towards the future, the smart mobility logistics initiative represents a bold and innovative approach to public service delivery. By leveraging technology, infrastructure development, and skills training, the provincial government is laying the foundation for a logistics system that is efficient, inclusive, and capable of meeting the needs of all citizens. g-FleeT Management, with its commitment to transforming the logistics function, is at the forefront of this effort. Through its involvement in the OTM 2024 campaign, g-FleeT is demonstrating its dedication to creating a smarter, more efficient logistics system that supports the province’s broader goals of economic growth and social development.

Future public services in Gauteng will undoubtedly be greatly influenced by smart mobility logistics, it is evident from this. Through sustained investment in this programme, the provincial government is guaranteeing that all individuals receive the services they require at the appropriate time and that Gauteng continues to be a frontrunner in innovation and advancement.