October 30, 2001
By Thomas Thale
THE minibus taxi industry, for long associated with endemic violence, customer complaints and media jibe, is set to undergo a major facelift. The National Transport Ministry and organised taxi bodies have agreed to restructure the industry. The main features of these sweeping changes are: the formation of a National taxi body, the legalization of taxi operators, the ending of taxi violence, a recapitalisation plan, improvement of taxi ranks, establishment of a customer hotline, training of queue marshals, and, finally, the payment of tax by operators.
The launch of the South African National Taxi Counci (SANTACO), in Durban on the 14th of September, ushered in a new era for the industry. This was the first time ever that the operators had come together under one roof to discuss issues of common concern. According to the PRO of the Gauteng Taxi Council (GATACO), Mandla Mnguni, the National body "enjoys support from virtually all taxi operators". SANTACO has thrown its weight behind the government's plan to 'recapitalise' the industry. The major objective of the council is to streamline the industry and to enable taxi operators to speak with one voice in their dealings with government and to transform taxis into a service industry.
Mnguni outlined the medium-term objectives of the Taxi Council as being:
- To construct shelters in the taxi ranks to protect commuters against the elements
- To provide chairs for commuters in all taxi ranks
- To install electronic boards giving information on the destinations of all taxis at taxi ranks
- To make ranks safer by employing security guards
- To train queue marshals in customer care
As a first step, the Council will, in the next three months, establish a hotline to handle complaints from commuters.
The formation of SANTACO has given further impetus to the process of change already underway. The government has embarked on a massive campaign to have all the taxis in the country registered and legalised. According to Khabisi Mosunkutu, Gauteng MEC for Transport, taxi operators now have until the 30th of April 2002 to register their vehicles under the government's "Be Legal Campaign." Any taxi not registered by this date will be taken off the road. He also revealed that the government has provided a R10m subsidy to enable GATACO to run its affairs properly. Part of this money should be used to train queue marshals.
This week, Mosunkutu also noted that violence in the taxi industry around Gauteng has subsided. He attributed this decline to the tough measures taken by government to quell the violence. Mosunkutu has invoked the Minibus Taxi Type Services Act of 1997 to take drastic measures, such as closing ranks and impounding unroadworthy vehicles to stem the violence. Whilst admitting that Mosunkutu's tough measures have resulted in the reduction of violence, Gadi Sibanyoni, the Training and Development Officer of the Faraday Taxi Association, this week warned the MEC against acting without first consulting industry stakeholders. His warning was echoed by Mandla Mnguni, the PRO of the Gauteng Taxi Council, who accused Mosunkutu, of acting in a high-handed fashion by closing ranks in trouble spots without first consulting industry officials.
"This drastic measure, taken without consultation, causes a lot of bitterness among taxi operators," said Mnguni. However, Mosunkutu brushed these accusations aside, saying the closures have had the desired results. "The key issue here is about life. We are concerned about the commuters who are caught in the crossfire. Our decisive actions enjoy the support of commuters. When we take action against Associations, space is created for individuals to quietly report those responsible. We have also provided mediators to help resolve conflicts."
Sibanyoni argued that the taxi industry is already taking measures to improve service to travelers without any external pressure. "All the taxis under our Association do not overload passengers anymore," added Sibanyoni.
The government's Recapitalisation Plan entails replacing the current fleet of minibus taxis with new 18 and 35 seaters and using technology to help owners and authorities to keep track of all taxis on the road. The plan has drawn fire from drivers fearful of losing their jobs. However, Mnguni said that taxi operators are "hungry for change." He also agreed that in the near future, all taxi operators will have to settle their debts with the Receiver of Revenue.
