12 Jan 2016

The Department of Roads and Transport (DRTS) has introduced some changes to curb long queues at its offices.

The Minister of Transport and Commnications, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo told a youth meeting in Thamaga. 

He said the theory test would now expire after 24 months as opposed to the one year which was stipulated, adding that it was their hope that applicants would have acquired a drivers license in two years.

In addition, the minister said the provisional leaners drivers license would also expired in two years.

Mr Mabeo said the department has allowed those with class B drivers’ licenses and one year driving experience to apply for PSV licenses without any test as well as bringing the age restriction to 21 years old.

He said another change was to allow class B holders to drive a tractor without having to acquire a tractor driver’s license.

“These are a number of developments which are mostly to facilitate youth empowerment,” minister Mabeo said.

He encouraged the youth to take advantage of the initiatives availed to them to improve their lives.

He also encouraged young people to always apply themselves in everything that they do.

 “Whatever you do, please do it with passion, do it with your mind,” added Mr Mabeo who is also the Member of Parliament for Thamaga-Kumakwane.

On other issues, Mr Mabeo promised his constituency youth that the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture has promised to reassign a youth officer to their village after the previous one was transferred to Mogoditshane.

This came after the youth complained that travelling to Mogoditshane for services was costly and counterproductive.

Some youth decried the lack of support from the Ministry of Sport and Culture officials on Youth Development Fund (YDF) funded projects.

 One youth, Mr Tshepo Sebetlela said officials never check on their projects progress even when the projects were facing challenges.

Another youth, Mr Tirelo Keagataile said the P100 000 YDF funding was low and overtaken by events hence he called for the increment of the funds. Ends