Taxis to operate fully loaded, industry vows

All taxis will operate at full capacity from Monday, the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) vowed on Sunday as it rejected the R1.135bn in relief funds offered by the government.

“We have decided to take the bull by the horns. We cannot have postponements on our livelihoods,” Santaco president Phillip Taaibosch said.

“We have decided that all provincial structures will, from Monday, load 100% capacity — whether the minister approves or not.

“All long-distance taxis must resume operation. No permits will be required from passengers in long-distance taxis.”

He said the decision had come after transport minister Fikile Mbalula four times failed to meet and discuss a way forward with the taxi industry.

The industry leader said it would be compulsory for commuters to wear masks, taxis would be sanitised, and long-distance operators’ marshals would ensure all commuters were screened.

“We have taken this decision against the frustration and lack of direction. We are aware our vehicles will be impounded.

“Tomorrow, we will not accept any form of impoundment; if any taxi is impounded, all taxis will come to a halt until they are released,” he said.

The industry rejected the conditions the government tabled for it to access R1.135bn in relief funds.

Mbalula gave the industry his word that he would ask the national command council (NCC) to consider amending regulations to allow for long-distance and cross-border travel as well as full passenger capacity in taxis.

He announced on Friday that the government had signed off on the R1.135bn for the industry, which would amount to about R5,000 per vehicle.

Strict conditions were attached to the relief fund, including that the applicants must be South African, registered with the department of transport and registered as a business entity for income tax.

Taaibosch said they demanded that the relief be reviewed.

“After our meeting it was our expectation that he would give us a chance to engage with constituencies.

“The minister knew the matter was sensitive and we did not have an agreement with him.

“He wanted to canvass his understating and portray us as unreasonable.

“The minister continues to make wrong statements about us.

“We want to appeal to him to refrain from misleading the public about us.

“The announcement does not reflect the spirit of negotiation with him, nothing was finalised.

“The taxi industry does not accept the relief fund by the government; the offer is just a clear demonstration of what this government says of this industry,” Taaibosch said.   — TimesLIVE