31 October 2007
The KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council (Cabinet) has applauded the provincial
taxi industry for making huge gains in ending violence that has plagued the
industry and focusing sharply on professionalism with new business ventures
taking off.
Cabinet noted this at its ordinary weekly meeting in Pietermaritzburg today,
31 October 2007 after a presentation to the Cabinet by a delegation from the
South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in KwaZulu-Natal.
The delegation. which was led by SANTACO President Jabulani Mthembu, told
Cabinet that the taxi industry was undergoing restructuring in order to
transform itself into transport operators as opposed to taxi operators. This
would allow the industry to participate fully in providing public service
transportation in the build-up, during and beyond the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Mthembu said the industry was also looking into providing specialised
transportation for people with disabilities which would include suitable
facilities at ranks. The industry would also provide transportation to the new
airport being constructed at La Mercy in Durban and also operate major feeder
trunks. In addition, a programme was being developed to introduce behavioural
change among drivers and through making them permanent employees in corporate
business entities rather than casuals in individual taxi associations. Mthembu
said this programme would also be gender-sensitive.
"This is a breath of fresh air. Leadership has been a problem in the taxi
industry and although there will still be pockets of problems; you have
generally brought about peace and stability in the industry. This gives us a
lot of hope," said KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele.
Cabinet also received a progress report on the new legislature and
government precinct. Cabinet was told that requests for proposals for the
construction of the multi-million rand complex to be located at Townhill in
Pietermaritzburg would soon be issued.
A report was also presented to Cabinet on the province's Mid-Term Budget
Performance from the provincial treasury. Cabinet also approved a name change
for the Department of Social Welfare and Population Development which will be
announced tomorrow, 1 November 2007 at Parkside in Pietermaritzburg.
Media are invited to attend the event which will commence at 10h00.
A task team to drive the 2010 project was also announced during the meeting.
A 2010 Provincial Indaba will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli
Convention Centre on 7 and 8 November.
Cabinet also noted plans for commemorating 40 years since the death of
Inkosi Albert Luthuli which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 4 November
2007 at KwaDukuza where President Thabo Mbeki will deliver the keynote
address.
Journalists attending must confirm their attendance and must be accredited
by no later than 12h00 on Thursday, 1 November 2007. For accreditation
purposes, journalists are to forward their full names and identity numbers to
Swazi Dlamini from the Government Communications (GCIS) at swazi@gcis.gov.za.
Please note that journalists must bring their identity documents along when
collecting their accreditation tags. Swazi may be contacted on 083 964 0961.
Further media updates will be communicated in due course.
Enquiries:
Mandla Cecil Msomi
Cell: 082 317 3727 or 072 671 0775
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
31 October 2007
