[ad_1]
The South African government began talks to regulate the minibus taxi industry, a key economic sector that carries 40% of the population but whose reputation has been tarnished by lawlessness and a poor safety record.
Private industry employs 300,000 drivers and generates approximately R90 billion ($ 5.5 billion) in revenue each year. Taxis are often the only option for workers in low-income areas, as the country’s bus system is limited and dilapidated passenger trains are prone to lengthy delays.
“Given its financial size, formalizing the taxi industry is a vital step in securing its contribution to the national tax revenue base,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said last week in a virtual address during a conference with taxi representatives and officials. governmental.
Among the challenges facing the industry are labor relations, allegations of worker exploitation and compliance with tax laws, he said.
The talks may eventually result in an agreement that will be “anchored in the rule of law,” Ramaphosa said. Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said “something fundamental” should be on the table by April 2021, without elaborating. Access to finance, vocational training and subsidies are among the topics discussed.
Stronger regulation is needed after persistent reports of passenger abuse, Phillip Taaibosch, head of South Africa’s National Taxi Council, told the conference.
“If you kill or rape in the taxi industry, if they are given the necessary regulatory powers, we will make sure you don’t come back into this industry,” he said.
Read: Here is the official price of gasoline for November
[ad_2]
