Government and Santaco set to meet

The department said it was continuously engaging in discussions to find amicable and lasting solutions to the challenges faced by the taxi industry as presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Both parties have noted the statements and pronouncements made in the media and have agreed that this is not how to properly engage with each other.”

“The parties regret the unfortunate pronouncements that may have been uttered in the media and have made commitments towards finding lasting solutions that are commuter-centred and which will be mutually beneficial to all citizens of our country,” said the Department of Transport, adding the renewed commitment to constructive engagement by the taxi industry has been reconsidered.

Santaco president Phillip Taaibosch said the association was committed to its relationship with the Department of Transport and supported minister Fikile Mbalula in his endeavour to make a case for the taxi industry with his colleagues at the national coronavirus command council and cabinet.

Taaibosch said the parties had mutually agreed to afford Mbalula time and space to further engage with the cabinet and the command council on the further proposals submitted by the taxi industry.

“Both parties are cognisant that a lasting solution will be borne out of thorough constructive engagements within the confines of the Covid-19 protocols and being mindful of the ever-escalating scourge of the pandemic as well as the fiscal constraints the country finds itself in.”

Taaibosch said Santaco had indicated that, while the gesture made by government to provide some relief to the taxi industry, was appreciated, it had, however, found a need for both parties to further engage on the modalities and alternatives relative to the proposed relief fund.

“Government too, has committed itself to transforming the taxi industry into one of the viable and beneficial industries wherein the operators benefit not only from operations but also in the entire value chain of the industry,” said Taaibosch.

Mbalula committed to working with the taxi industry towards changing things for the better for the industry.

“We believe we can jointly find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the industry and look forward to an industry which is beneficial to operators in the entire value chain.”

He said the future was promising and further engagements would lay a solid foundation for the financial sustainability of the taxi industry and open some new avenues to empower the industry.

“The parties have further committed to do everything and anything in their power to ensure that further engagements are in good faith and for the benefit of all South Africans.”

Santaco is set to nominate a ‘high-powered delegation’ to engage with the director-general of the department of transport.

This comes after the taxi industry leadership had elected to violate the law and forcefully load taxis at 100% capacity and break other Covid-19 transportation regulations.

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