Ramaphosa Addresses The First-Ever National Taxi Lekgotla
By Phumzile Mavimbela
Kwazulu Natal saw its first ever general legotla. Kwazulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Bheki Ntuli said this Provincial Taxi Lekgotla could not have come at a better time as we are all seized with the issue of professionalizing the taxi industry and investigating sustainable ways of shaping the taxi industry for the future, which will benefit many generations to come.
The legotla ran for three days the MEC highlighted that they will be looking at ways to establshing means for a reimagined, better-regulated and empotwered industry. The taxi industry is the lifeblood of our public transport system.
Since the late 1970s it has served our people by providing an accessible means of public transit in nearly every corner of the country. He said
What makes this Provincial Lekgotla even more meaningful is the fact that it coincides with the roll-out of the October Transport Month – when government first launched the initiative in 2005 one of its primary focus was to pay special attention to the public transport industry.
President Cyril Ramaphasa eleborted on extensive points that will improve the industry he said the sector emerged at a time when apartheid spatial planning severely restricted people’s access to safe and reliable transport.
From its humble beginnings of a few operators, mainly in the urban centres, the industry has grown from strength to strength.
Today, the vast majority of public transport commuters use taxis followed by buses and trains. The industry is a major source of business creation with approximately 150,000 taxi business owners in operation. It is a major employer of around 300,000 drivers and 100,000 rank marshals.
Ramaphosa also highlighted that the taxi industry is therefore one of the most important sectors in our economy. This makes it all the more necessary that there is transformation and empowerment with real benefits to the businesses involved. High barriers to entry, such as the cost of vehicle financing and maintenance, is threatening business viability.
Badly maintained and old vehicles threaten the safety of passengers and other road users.
We share a common aspiration to see the minibus taxi industry overcome its challenges, adapt in response to the demands of modern public transportation, and ultimately to grow and thrive. At the heart of all our endeavours is formalisation, regulation and economic empowerment.
He pointed out three-pronged strategy which reflects the recommendations of the National Taxi Task Team set up in 1995 to look at challenges facing the industry. Now, 25 years later, we are taking stock of how far we have come From this lekgotla, we need to come up with concrete measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of this important industry.
We have to address several challenges that have tarnished the reputation of the industry.These include the issue of labour relations and allegations of exploitation of workers; the high number of road accidents involving taxis; the industry’s response to the rise of e-hailing services; and compliance with tax laws.
The president said that the government has invested substantially in the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme and will continue to leverage its potential. They will be giving renewed attention to supporting business growth in the sector, especially to empower previously disadvantaged individuals such as women.
Lastly he expressed his gratitude issues like access to finance and skills development will also be discussed here, because they are crucial in determining whether a fledgling taxi business succeeds or fails .Formalisation means greater regulation; and the compact that must emerge from this lekgotla must be anchored in the rule of law.
On the issues deliberated on government want to eradicate illegal operations that affect both the industry and government and are a catalyst for conflict.Illegal operations threaten the safety of passengers and open the door for licensing and insurance fraud.
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