Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has commended the taxi industry for calling off its planned strike in protest against the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and agreeing to resume normal operations today, 1 September 2009).
"We want to commend the taxi industry and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) for calling off its planned strike against the Bus Rapid Transit system. Taxi operations are back to normal today, 1 September 2009. As government, we remain committed to implementing the BRT system in partnership with all stakeholders, especially the taxi industry. Through the National Joint Working Group (NJWG) on Public Transport, we will continue our intensive engagement with the taxi industry on many issues including BRT, the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme as well as the regulation and legislation of the industry.
"The interest of the commuter remains paramount and everything we do in public transport must ultimately benefit the commuter. BRT is about the commuter. We are excited by the unwavering support BRT has received from commuters. Out of approximately 50 million people in our country, only about seven million have access to personal vehicles.
This means that at least 43 million of our people depend upon public transport. Democracy is not only about the right to vote; it is also about the freedom of movement. Public transport is no longer a luxury. Public Transport is a necessity. Without public transport, a country wallows in underdevelopment and settles in economic degeneration.
"We also want to acknowledge the role and unqualified support of all other stakeholders, all levels of government as well as organised formations in our communities in the successful launch of the first phase of BRT in the city of Johannesburg. In particular, we want to acknowledge the clarity of vision and the leadership on the part of Cabinet, the Gauteng provincial government under the leadership of Premier Nomvula Mokoyane, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Mr Bheki Nkosi, the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Mr Amos Masondo, City of Johannesburg MMC for Transportation Rehana Moosajee, national Department of Transport Deputy Director-General for Public Transport Mr George Mahlalela, other government officials as well as the role played by civil society organisations including South African National Civic Organisation SANCO and South African Commuters Organisation (SACO).
"We must open the taxi industry to include activities beyond the running of a taxi to other benefits in the transport value-chain. We believe the taxi industry is a key player in the transport sector. The taxi industry is a key player in the economy of our country. The taxi industry must, therefore, access as many opportunities in the transport sector and in the broader economy of our country," said Minister Ndebele.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
Issued by: Department of Transport
1 September 2009
