Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has welcomed the South African National Taxi Council’s (Santaco's) announcement that it will be launching a low-cost airline.
“We have repeatedly been asking, where are Blacks and particularly Africans, located in the mainstream economy of our country? We have constantly maintained that the taxi industry, which is Black-owned, controlled and run, cannot forever remain at the margins in economic terms,” said Mr. Ndebele.
“The taxi industry is a key player in the economy of our country. We believe the taxi industry is a key player in the transport sector. This important industry will no longer be defined primarily by violence and disorder.
“We must open the taxi industry to include activities beyond the running of a taxi to other benefits in the transport value-chain. The taxi industry must, therefore, access as many opportunities in the transport sector and in the broader economy of our country. We, therefore, welcome Santaco’s announcement that it will be launching a low-cost airline.
“Recent empowerment deals are testimony to the fact that real economic empowerment and transformation of the taxi industry is no longer merely a cliché but is fast becoming a reality. This includes the 7th February hand over to taxi industry shareholders Phase 1A Bus Operating Company of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Johannesburg. The value of the contract is approximately R184-million per year.
“These and other empowerment initiatives within the transport sector indicate that we are certainly moving in the right direction towards ensuring that the taxi industry becomes part of the mainstream economy. Together, we are giving meaning to a future of peace, progress and prosperity for the taxi industry. Our common agenda is, indeed, to ensure the empowerment of our people. The BRT and other initiatives in the transport industry, including the provision of public transport as opposed to our current system of commuter transport which means up to 24-hour operations, can offer a significant entry point for the current taxi industry to become one of the most powerful players in our economy. The taxi industry must prepare to play a more meaningful role in the future. The taxi industry has more than 64% of our commuting services in South Africa. It is the biggest Black-owned industry. It is available in each and every town.
“To this end, Santaco’s TR3 2020 strategy for the redefining, restructuring and repositioning of the industry till 2020 is most welcome. A vibrant taxi industry that shares the vision of transformation in improving public transport, in addition to bus operators and passenger rail operations, is what is needed in our country. We have faith in the taxi industry. It is only through working together that our endeavour to implement our much needed integrated public transport networks can be achieved,” said Mr. Ndebele.
