Mpumalanga Taxi Indaba looks into various issues

The Provincial Taxi Indaba, aimed at developing strategies of conflict resolution, unity and leadership, taxi-related regulations and industry empowerment, was held at Olifants River Lodge on June 5 and June 6.The MEC for public works, roads and transport, Mandla Ndlovu, hosted this indaba.

Various commissions reported back on issues they were tasked to deliberate on in order to formulate an implementation strategy of proposed resolutions.

The first commission focused on unity and leadership, commission two dealt with transformation and empowerment of the industry, commission three tackled regulations affecting the taxi industry, and commission four looked at conflict resolution strategy.

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The premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, condemned all forms of violence that are sometimes used to resolve issues within the taxi industry.
“I must confess, though, that I had mixed emotions when I received the invitation to join this gathering. At first, it motivated me, because I consider the role of this industry extremely crucial to the transportation service of our people, not only in Mpumalanga, but in the entire country. However, the instability that leads to attacks between taxi associations and cause a bloodbath, are tragic and regrettable.”

She said the taxi industry is an integral part of the lives of ordinary citizens.

Addressing the various taxi operators and taxi associations, she said, “All of you seated here carry the hopes and dreams of every citizen whose desire is to move from one point to the other. The embedded relationship between the industry and the commuters is equally the same one that exist between the industry and government. While commuters are expecting a good service that guarantees their destination, we, on the other hand, expect a guaranteed service that ensures their safe journey to the place of work, in a quest to improve the economy.”

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Mtshweni-Tsipane said while they appreciate the challenges faced by the industry, such as the exorbitant cost of fuel and service fees to keep the taxis in good condition, the provincial government has a different view on how these matters should be raised and addressed.
“We remain committed as the provincial government to work with the industry towards changing things for the better. And so we need to tap into these merits to sustain the industry and work together to grow Mpumalanga.”