Donkey carts obstacle on urban roads
Polokwane Municipality has warned donkey cart operators to refrain from driving on roads in urban areas.
The tendency which irks motorists and general road users seems rife in Seshego, Madiba Park,
Lesedi Park, Moletjie, Mmotong, Ga-Mashashane, Ga-Matlala and Bloodriver.
According to a motorist from Seshego, Motolo Lepuru the donkey carts are used for cargo transport. “They use the carts to transport goods. They deliver groceries from shopping centres in the area to their clientele. They also carry sand, bricks and refuse materials for their clients. They share the road with motorists and it is bad. The carts are slow and the delay traffic. We are not saying they must not use the roads but they must be mindful of motorists.”
Spokesperson for Polokwane Municipality, Matshidiso Mothapo said donkey carts are only allowed to operate in the villages and not on roads in urban areas. “In terms of the regulations the cart must be registered and licensed and meet safety standards like reflectors. The operator must be older than 16 and be able to take charge of the animals. The operators must at all times have identification on them. If found in urban areas, the traffic officers can confiscate the cart.”
Motome Semenya, Inspector at Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said they don’t have the powers to stop donkey cart operators from driving on roads in urban areas. “We don’t enforce the law, the municipality does that. We only look after the welfare of the animals and we only intervene when they are not taken care of.”