CAPE TOWN – As urban traffic continues to strain the Western Cape’s economic productivity and residents’ quality of life, government and industry leaders are turning to innovative partnerships and data-driven solutions to address one of the province’s most persistent challenges.
The Western Cape mobility department concluded Mobility Month on Friday with a congestion dialogue held at the Waterfront in Cape Town. Bringing together business, academia, government, and transport industry partners, the dialogue explored practical, collaborative solutions to ease congestion and improve mobility across the province.
During a panel discussion, participants reflected on the economic and social impact of congestion, from lost productivity to reduced quality of life, and shared ideas for practical interventions that can be implemented by employers and the public sector.
Travel habits need to change
Dr Obiora Nnene, representing the University of Cape Town, emphasised the importance of data and behavioural research in shaping effective congestion management strategies.
“Understanding why people travel the way they do, and the barriers they face to changing those patterns, is critical. Evidence-based policies and pilot programmes can guide both government and employers toward sustainable mobility solutions,” he said.
Neil Slingers, director of transport planning and network management at the City of Cape Town, stressed the need for collaborative approaches.
“Congestion cannot be solved by government alone, it requires collaboration between all sectors, including academia, business, and the public. We know we cannot build our way out of congestion, so we must examine what is working and what is not. This means making better use of existing infrastructure, identifying inefficiencies, adopting smart mobility solutions, improving freeway traffic management, and encouraging flexible work arrangements where possible.”
Vaughan Pierce, head of sustainability at Pick ‘n Pay, highlighted the role employers can play in addressing the challenge.
“Even small shifts, such as staggered start times or incentivising public transport use, can have a big collective impact. In the retail sector, our teams often start early and finish late, which means they travel outside traditional peak hours. To support them, we provide dedicated staff transport to ensure their safety. By adapting work models in this way, employers can make a measurable difference in employees’ daily lives,” said Pierce.
Not simply about traffic volumes
Western Cape mobility minister Isaac Sileku emphasised that congestion represents one of the province’s most pressing challenges, but one that can be managed through shared responsibility and innovative partnerships.
“Congestion is not simply about traffic volumes, it is about how our cities are designed, the choices we make, and the alternatives available to us,” said Sileku.
“Solving congestion starts with how we think about mobility. If we can shift our habits, embrace shared and public transport, and plan more efficiently, we can create a province where movement is safer, faster, and more sustainable.
“The minister concluded by highlighting the potential for meaningful change through collective action.
“The partnerships formed this month prove that progress is possible. We are building a mobility system that connects opportunity, reduces inequality, and supports growth. The Western Cape can lead the way, not by being defined by congestion, but by how we manage this issue.”
