Covid-19: Mbalula pleased with taxi industry compliance
Mbalula did, however, raise concern over reports of taxi fare increments of up to 100 per cent in some parts of the country, insufficient sanitisation and sporadic incidents of overloading and breaching of travel times.
Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula commended the taxi industry, by and large, for complying with many of the directions concerning carrying capacity, operating times and the use of personal protective equipment.
In a virtual meeting on 19 April, Mbalula shared his observations on the implementation of the Covid-19 lockdown regulations and directions.
Mbalula did, however, raise concern over reports of taxi fare increments of up to 100 per cent in some parts of the country, insufficient sanitisation and sporadic incidents of overloading and breaching of travel times.
He said that intergovernmental consultations on Taxi Industry Relief Support are at an advanced stage. The departments of Transport, Small Business, Labour, Trade and Industry and Competition as well as National Treasury have agreed to support the industry and are in the process of looking at various modalities of assistance.
Mbalula said, “The taxi industry is one of the biggest contributors to the success of the lockdown; it cannot be left to chance. We are happy that stakeholders in this sector are championing the campaign and are in agreement that we must do what we can to flatten the curve.”
Mbalula said that where there have been challenges regarding the implementation of regulations, the department found that these issues are not insurmountable. “We are attending to each concern raised by the leadership of Santaco [South African National Taxi Council] including the need for the taxi industry to be offered a relief. We will make pronouncements soon.”
President of Santaco Phillip Taaibosch said that he welcomed the commitment made by Mbalula concerning relief. He also urged taxi operators to continue to observe the regulations.
Taaibosch said, “Once again, we urge the leadership of the taxi industry to ensure that 70 per cent loading capacity is adhered to and taxis operate within the stipulated hours. We must move our people responsibly because victory against Covid-19 is victory for the taxi industry too.”
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