T Mhlahlo: Port Elizabeth and Districts Taxi Association gala
dinner

13 December 2007

Let me first take this opportunity to thank the leadership of the Port
Elizabeth and Districts Taxi Association (PEDTA) for inviting me to this
glittering occasion, where we all look back at our footsteps as we approach the
end of the year.

It is indeed important for any organization to initiate activities that
would promote unity and cohesion among its members.

Being one of the biggest associations within the Nelson Mandela Metro with
700 members, PEDTA needs to promote such initiatives.

It is also gratifying to note that the leadership of the taxi industry at
all three levels is gracing the occasion and will be able to provide the
necessary leadership and guidance to their local counterparts.

So far, I am impressed by the peaceful atmosphere that exists within the
taxi industry in the Eastern Cape and I would like to commend the leadership
and the general membership for putting the interests of the consumers of the
public transport service first.

I would also like to take this opportunity to appreciate the degree of
cooperation between the industry and officials of my Department responsible for
the transformation of the taxi industry. Without that cooperation the stability
that we are enjoying today would not be there.

* Implementation of the Taxi Recapitalisation Project

With regard to the implementation of the Taxi Recapitalisation Project, the
Eastern Cape province is on record as occupying a leading position, ahead of
all the other provinces in the country. I am, however, aware of the many
challenges that plague the implementation activities.

To date, 2 500 vehicles have been received at our scrapping site in
Zwelitsha, of which 2 480 taxi operators had received their R50 000 scrapping
allowances.

Today we are witnessing a growing number of New Taxi Vehicles on the Eastern
Cape roads and that is commendable as it demonstrates good cooperation between
the industry and government.

It further means enhanced safety for the majority of citizens of our
country, especially of this province, who rely heavily on the taxi industry in
order to reach areas of economic activity, government services etc.

General empowerment

During the 2006/07 and 2007/08 financial years, the Department of Roads and
Transport released a funding to the tune of R2 million every year to the
provincial branch of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco).

The purpose of this funding was to assist in professionalising the
functioning of the taxi industry and improve its image.

Agreements between the Department and the taxi industry as to how this money
would be utilized as well as the accounting processes to be followed are in
place.

* Other public transport transformation initiatives

All along public transport services had been unstructured and not in terms
of a specific transport plan.

The Nelson Mandela Bay and the Buffalo City Municipality have already set
processes of preparing public transport plans with a view to develop and
implement the integration of public transport services. The plan has to be
inclusive of all modes of public transport.

In the planning meetings, all affected stakeholders are represented. I would
like to urge the taxi industry to stay focused on this important project.

As we prepare for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, we need an integrated public
transport system that would be responsive to the challenges that are being
presented by the tournament.

In the main, we want a system that will present a lasting legacy for our
people and remain even beyond 2010.

I am aware of the discussions that are currently taking place within the
taxi industry in this region regarding the formation of a single taxi
association.
This is a commendable step, which will provide lasting solution and unity
within the industry for the benefit of future generations.

* Challenges

1) The question we should ask our selves is how ready are we as the taxi
industry to cope with the envisaged demand of the tournament?
2) Government wants to ensure that its empowerment programmes reach the
ordinary taxi operator on the ground. Are taxi industry communication systems
well oiled in this regard so that developments pertaining to public transport
transformation are reaching the man on the ground?
3) We further need to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the training
that we receive in disciplines like customer care, and proper driving skills.
Any shortfalls in that regard will work to our detriment.
4) Eastern Cape is a "Detroit of Africa", but the taxi industry is not
courageous enough to challenge the captains of the motor vehicle manufacturing
institutions and discuss issues of mutual interest.

We can only provide the necessary answers to these challenges if we speak
with one voice, which is bordered by business principles that are underpinned
by unity in action and pursuit of economic emancipation.

In conclusion, I would like to urge the taxi industry to continue with its
commitment to the Arrive Alive Campaign. As the main player in the public
transport sector, this industry has an important role to play in giving meaning
to this campaign.

At all times, our vehicles must be in a roadworthy state; observe speed
limits; take necessary rest stops; do not drink and drive.

I would like to wish all of you a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous new
year.

I thank you.

Issued by: Eastern Cape Provincial Government
13 December 2007