A new empowerment charter will ensure that there is black participation at all levels of the transport industry, said Roads and Transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo.

Speaking at the launch of the National Transport Sector Black Economic Empowerment Charter at Alicedale, Mhlahlo said the charter supported the objectives of the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa, the recent provincial Job Summit resolutions and Provincial Growth and Development Plan to maintain an economic growth rate of between 5% and 8% per annum.

He said there was a commitment from his department to work with all stakeholders in the transport sector to develop a world-class industry that will grow in size, create jobs, stimulate growth and development, and provide accessible and affordable transport services to the people.

"Black participation in the transport sector should be broadened to all levels - employment, ownership, control and management and the procurement of goods and services to companies throughout the industry value chain."

He said one of the critical elements of the policy would be to ensure that the department procures at least 60% of goods and services from BEE companies with at least 50% of total discretionary spend, 28% for black women-owned enterprises, 3% from black youth enterprises and 3% from enterprises owned by people living with disabilities.

"All transport sub-sectors in the province, including taxis, buses, rail, road freight, aviation, maritime and roads construction have their BEE scorecards, which will guide the implementation of this policy."

Mhlahlo said the Eastern Cape has already proved to be a fertile ground for the implementation of the charter because of government's commitment to overhaul the decaying infrastructure network.

He said the Kei Rail Project was one of the critical examples, where BEE principles were implemented during the refurbishment process of the railway line between East London and Mthatha.

Mhlahlo said with the 2010 Soccer World Cup around the corner, it meant the acceleration of the provision of transport infrastructure that would meet world-class standards.