Madam Deputy Speaker, the UDM received with mixed feelings the news that Mr Sisa Nonama, the bus driver of the unroadworthy nonluxury coach that killed 23 people in an accident that took place in May 2010, has pleaded guilty to 23 counts of culpable homicide. At the time of the accident the bus was travelling from the Eastern Cape to Cape Town.
The UDM agrees with the fact that this is a victory for road safety and that this sends a clear message to bus and public transport operators that road safety is not negotiable. We also appreciate the remorse shown by the bus driver for the unnecessary loss of life. However, we are concerned that the bus owner takes no responsibility for allowing a nonroadworthy vehicle that had a number of faults, ranging from brake problems, poorly insulated wiring to malfunctioning lights, to operate on our roads.
The UDM believes that it is about time that the owners of public transport vehicles are also held responsible for allowing their unroadworthy vehicles to operate on our roads. I thank you, hon Deputy Speaker.