Donkey carts get a boost

2004-07-05 10:29

Cobus Coetzee

Polokwane - Limpopo is promoting donkey carts as a cheap means of public transport in rural areas.

The R2.5m donkey cart pilot project was a huge success in Mogalakweng in the Waterberg district last year and will now be introduced across the province, said provincial transport spokesperson Phuti Mabelebele.

"We learnt a lot from the pilot project and will implement the lessons when we roll out the project in the other districts," she said.

The department, in partnership with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) will introduce wooden animal-drawn carts in each of the five other districts of Sekhukhune, Capricorn, Bohlabela, Mopani and Vhembe in September.

Cart owners will be taught how to take care of the animals and how to ensure their carts are roadworthy.

In Mogalakweng last year, 200 carts were fitted with reflectors to make them more visible to other road users.

"In the past, many cars drove into the back of the carts because they were not visible enough," Mabelebele explained.

The other five districts will also get 200 animal-drawn carts, each of which will be registered and issued with a registration number like ADC 002 N. The ADC stands for Animal Drawn Cart.

'My donkeys are happy'

Drivers are encouraged to wear white shirts and the department supplies them with reflector jackets, as well as tyres for the carts, blinkers for the donkeys, and durable canvas harnesses.

"The cart owners are usually very poor and can't afford all these extras," said Mabelebele.

The department is also considering providing refreshment stations along the donkey cart routes.

One cart driver from the Waterberg district, Peter Malebane, is very excited about the project.

"It is wonderful," he says. "Since the course I am caring better for my donkeys. My donkeys are happy and I am also happy."

He says tourists are also keen on the donkey carts as a more interesting way of getting around the Waterberg district.

"Visitors to the area are fascinated by the carts, and regularly ask for a trip from one place to another. They all pay for these trips," he said.

Mabelebele said the department not only sees the project as a tourist attraction, but a new industry where carts owners can make money transporting luggage for people and even supplying water to houses in deep rural areas.

- African Eye