The government’s taxi-recapitalisation programme is for the benefit of the commuter and not the operator, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) said on Monday.
In a statement, the council’s secretary general, Philip Taaibosch, said miscommunication and incorrect reporting had been allowed to carry on for too long.
”Santaco therefore felt it necessary to put some of these facts to paper, in the hope that this will assist in clearing some of those misconceptions,” Taaibosch said.
”Recapitalisation is not essentially aimed at benefiting taxi operators, but rather at the commuter and securing his or her safety and comfort.”
He said the council believed that operators would be more supportive of the recapitalisation programme if they understood that it would benefit their market.
”… this is the main reason that Santaco supports the recapitalisation programme”.
Taaibosch denied that Santaco had been a ”puppet of government” in respect of the recapitalisation.
”[I] would like to clarify that this could not possibly be further from the truth.
”The fact of the matter is that Santaco has and always will place the interests of its members before all others.”
Santaco would rather fight for the industry in ”a civil manner in the boardroom” than take to the streets ”regardless of consequence”.
Another incorrect view that prevails is that there are no approved vehicles at a reasonable price.
Taaibosch said there were eight vehicles to choose from, ranging in price from R142 000 to between R160 000 and R170 000 or more.
”Santaco is still in negotiation with manufacturers on the pricing of certain vehicles, which are deemed to be out of the financial reach of many of our members, taking into account that this portion of the industry is servicing the poorest-of-the-poor.”
He said the council will also negotiate with other manufacturers to make available a wider selection of suitable vehicles at affordable prices.
Taaibosch said 9 082 applications for the scrapping of old minibuses had so far been received.
The scrapping process cannot be done overnight and processes need to be followed.
He also assured taxi operators that the R50 000 scrapping allowance will not be used to pay, amongst others, outstanding fines.
”In respect of the R50 000 scrapping allowance I confirm that nothing [be it for outstanding fines or other] will be deducted and that this amount will serve as a guarantee for the financing of a new taxi-recapitalisation approved vehicle.”
Santaco’s view is that those who still resist the recapitalisation programme, do so for their own financial and political gain. — Sapa