Fitting to the theme of Transport Month ‘Together moving South Africa forward’ the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) and the Health Unit teamed up with the bus company Tansnat to roll-out its Health Outreach Programmes. These programmes are aimed at supporting drivers in the bus industry and to ensure their health and wellness.

ETA Acting Head, Nelisiwe Zama said that ETA has collaborated with the Health Unit and Tansnat for educational, training and awareness programmes targeted at drivers within the bus industry. The Bus Drivers Programme kicked off with Defensive Driver training at the Midway Mall on 8 October. The purpose of the training was to reduce further bus crashes and to empower the drivers to be proactive in managing scheduled trips. Zama said that ETA had targeted five depots for the Health and Wellness Outreach Programmes, primarily in the north and south sub districts.

Drivers had the opportunity to undergo comprehensive health screening and testing services, amongst other services offered by the City’s Health Unit. The programme also consisted of educational talks on mental and physical wellness, HIV AIDS awareness and the importance of family planning. Provincial Health and Healthy Systems Trust, a non-profit organisation also supported the programme.

Gugu Bhengu Gwala Deputy Head: Social Health EThekwini Municipality explained: “October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mental Health Month, National Nutrition Week, etc., which are our priorities for the month. However, October is also Transport Month, and this marks a remarkable period for the Transport and Health sectors to enhance driver health and road safety by offering accessible health screenings at convenient locations,” said Gwala.

ETA commenced with the Health and Wellness Outreach Programme at the City Fleet Depot in Alice street, Durban central. The Outreach programmes ran on the week of 22 – 25 October in various depots.