Transforming the taxi industry

Written by More Matshediso

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has invited the taxi industry, workers, commuters and civil society to take part in a public dialogue about the future of the taxi industry. 

The aim of the initiative is to hear the needs and concerns of everyone involved – including commuters – so that their opinions can be included in the plan to formalise and regulate the industry. 

The Minister says the taxi industry must benefit every single taxi operator and not just those in positions of leadership. 

Various means will be used to get people’s opinions before provincial makgotlas are held between 20 September and 20 October on virtual platforms (online). These provincial events will feed to the National Taxi Lekgotla scheduled to take place on 29 and 30 October 2020, at the end of Transport Month.  

Minister Mbalula foresees that the national taxi indaba will transform the taxi industry in a ground-breaking manner. 

“The outcomes of this Lekgotla will not be lip service, but a tangible and achievable programme of action that will set the industry on a sustainable path,” says the Minister. 

He says the National Taxi Lekgotla will be about re-imagining a taxi industry of the future, where it is a major player in the economy. 

The build-up towards the Lekgotla will consist of the following activities: 

• The public discourse platform – a dialogue with industry and civil society on topical issues that require resolution.  
• The release of discussion documents and a structured roll-out of debates across all digital platforms to sustain the conversation and engage stakeholders in robust discussions on all identified themes of the National Taxi Indaba. The Minister and provincial MECs will lead these conversations.
• A task team will engage with various stakeholders on proposals and other themes to inform the discussions. 
• Webinars targeting thought leaders, opinion-makers and other stakeholders will be held to share perspectives and enrich the conversations. 

In addition, the Minister says discussions will also include road safety, customer care and commuter safety, and gender-based violence.