With only 80 days to go to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it is critical that government and the taxi industry pursue a common agenda in order to ensure the success of the world cup.
This was emphasised by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele in Johannesburg earlier today (Monday, 22 March), at a meeting between the minister and the leadership of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO). The meeting was called by Minister Ndebele as part of ongoing engagements between government and the taxi industry.
Minister Ndebele was joined by Transport Portfolio Committee Chairperson Ms Ruth Bhengu, Transport Director-General Mr George Mahlalela as well as other officials from the Transport Department. The SANTACO delegation comprised of its President Mr Arthur Jabulani Mthembu, Secretary-General
Mr Phillip Taaibosch, other national executive members as well as provincial representatives.
“With only 80 days to go to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it is critical that government and the taxi industry pursue a common agenda with full commitment and determination to provide an effective, safe and affordable public transport system. During the world cup, our key responsibility is to get people to the stadium safely and on time.
“We also need to get the fans out of the stadium back home and to the hotels in safety. Without adequate transport, there will be no fans in the stadium. Without fans inside the stadium, there is no World Cup.
“Transport is a critical partner to the success of the world cup. The taxi industry plays a key role in the transportation of our people and is thus critical to the world cup. Let’s make this a memorable African world cup.
“Public transport is about the commuter. Democracy is not only about the right to vote; it 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, a country settles in economic degeneration. An effective and efficient public transport system is a key requirement for economic growth and remains a key prerequisite for the movement of people.
“We are not going to achieve any of our goals and objectives unless we, all, pull together in the direction of collective peace of mind, in the direction of progress and prosperity. We will continue our intensive engagement with the taxi industry, civil society and other relevant stakeholders on many issues including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), the taxi recapitalisation programme as well as the regulation and legislation of the industry,” said Minister Ndebele.
SANTACO President, Mr Mthembu reiterated that the taxi industry remains committed to the success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“As the taxi industry, we want to move forward. To this end, the taxi industry is ready and fully committed towards ensuring a successful 2010 FIFA World Cup,” said Mr Mthembu.
Meanwhile, Minister Ndebele has also conveyed condolences to the family and relatives of Mr Sipho Mtambo, President of the Top Six Taxi Association.
“We want to convey our condolences to the family, relatives and colleagues of Mr Sipho Mtambo who has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all,” said the Minister.
Enquiries:
Sam Monareng
Cell: 083 326 1521
Issued by: Department of Transport
22 March 2010
