Learners encouraged to consider careers in transport

By Gabi Khumalo



Cape Town - In an effort to inspire learners to consider a career in
transport, the City of Cape Town has made learners aware of the various
career opportunities in the transport industry.



In his presentation to 160 Grade nine learners from eight Cape Town
schools, City's Manager for Transport Planning Donald Cupido told
learners that the city was in need of visionaries, dreamers, doers and
those that keep things working.



"There are direct careers such as planners, economists, engineers,
environmental scientists and project managers but also indirect ones
such as designers, architects and facilitators," Mr Cupido told
learners.



He added that the industry also relies heavily on support professions
such as draughtspersons, technicians, administrators and communication
specialists.



The presentation was part of the transport's programme, "Our heritage,
our future schools" organised by the City's Transport Department and the
Hosken Consolidated Investment (HCI) Foundation in celebration of
Transport Month.



In his address, Executive Deputy Mayor Grant Haskin encouraged learners
to access the career opportunities in transportation via the city's
bursary scheme.



He said that transportation was diverse and can offer an interesting
future for the ambitious candidate, adding that it is this very sector
that forms the backbone of the economy within Cape Town.



"An important transport legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is the
Integrated Transport Plan, which will facilitate social integration for
all Capetonians and provide access to Cape Town's economy and the jobs
created by the private sector," Mr Haskin said.



Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater Councillor
Elizabeth Thompson said she believed that people must have access to a
dignified, safe, clean, reliable, accessible and affordable public
transport system.



"The City has embarked on an ambitious and comprehensive project to
provide a world class public transport system and in addition, we are
committed to spending substantial funds on creating pavements and
dedicated bicycle lanes," Ms Thompson said.



She added that residents should be provided with reliable alternative
forms of getting around including the opportunity to walk, cycle and use
other forms of non-motorised transport.



"We need to reclaim our roads and create safe spaces for the enjoyment
of all," she said.



The city caters for the transport needs of an estimated 3 percent annual
increase in residents. - BuaNews