SANTACO in Capricorn would like to change the narrative of taxi drivers
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Capricorn District says it wants to change the narrative on the taxi industry.
POLOKWANE – They want to do this by launching a division to help operators access financing for commercial purposes.
The chairperson of the Conflict Resolution Portfolio, Basie Mafalo says they aim to establish a business network in the industry.
“We want to establish business partners in order to upgrade the industry to become fully profitable. This is a transition phase for the taxi industry to become corporate and change the stigma around taxi drivers in terms of business.”
Santaco regional chairperson, Solly Ledwaba says a company would be launched and will become the principal agent on behalf of the members.
“The purpose of the company is to negotiate for finance, structure businesses and provide access to vehicle suppliers. This was prompted by the challenges faced by ordinary drivers on a daily basis.”
Most operators are of the older generation and do not qualify for funding or are subjected to unfair financing as an individual, according to Ledwaba.
“The company will be a relegated patron to participate in the business value chain on behalf of individual operators, in order for them to participate in the industry.”
This, he said, would yield direct benefits for the individual while increasing the masses’ chances of accessing business opportunities.
One of the stakeholders in this venture is the Cargo Group Mercurius Motors Polokwane and the East Rand Commercial Business Division.
Siyabonga Nhleko, Sales Manager from the Cargo Group says their purpose is to find ways to collaborate with the association in finding commercial vehicles for the individual operator. He says they welcome the company launch and look forward to interacting.
Makwidi Seema from Mokgoetsi Insurance Brokers has in principle reached a partnership with the association to become the preferred broker for the association’s financial needs in acquiring vehicle finance.
Seema says their duty is to also impart knowledge on finances to the association as a strategic partner.
Matodzi Ramathavha, the association’s Provincial Manager, says they would like to change the narrative of taxi drivers being violent and uneducated people to game players in the corporate world.
He says that this initiative is the brainchild of the Capricorn District but is open for implementation in other districts as well, should they want to.
reporter02@nmgroup.co.za
