The government is not working to destroy the taxi industry, but wants it to benefit the country’s population, Minister of Transport Jeff Radebe said on Thursday.
”Our government and our movement, the African National Congress, could not work against the interests of the taxi industry,” he said at the two-day annual general meeting of Top Six Management in Durban.
”The ANC government is not there to destroy and destabilise the taxi industry, but is committed to work with you all … for the benefit of the majority of South Africans.”
Radebe’s comments came a day after delegates at the meeting rejected the government’s plan to recapitalise the taxi industry.
”Government’s plans for the taxi industry are not limited to the recapitalisation of the taxi fleet.
”We have put in place a comprehensive strategy that also seeks to empower the taxi industry and set it on a sustainable path.
”Our strategy will lay foundations so that in the near future we do not embark on yet another taxi recapitalisation project,” he said.
There is consensus that the recapitalisation programme should proceed ”without any further delay”.
The government has set itself the target that by 2010, 75% of taxis will be new vehicles meeting safety requirements, Radebe said. — Sapa