Taxi industry urged to protect its workers

The Deputy Minister of Labour, Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa has encouraged the taxi industry to provide better working conditions for its workers.

Speaking at the recent Taxi Summit, Holomisa said: “It makes no sense that we invest hundreds and thousands of rands on very expensive vehicles and then we ask our workers to exhaust themselves to a point where our vehicles become a threat unto themselves.

“Just as important as a fully functional brake system is in protecting your assets, so is the need that your drivers or employees enjoy good working conditions.”

He said that conditions of employment and wage matters of taxi drivers had been amended a couple times over the years to respond to the irregular employment conditions of this sector.

Another issue that was raised at the gathering was the issue of the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

Holomisa said that though numerous efforts had been made involving the taxi industry about the fund, there still needs to be significant progress made in order to say that it has made an impact.

@TebohoSeabelo