Issued by GCIS
20 January 2000
All participants in South Africa's mini-bus taxi industry - owners, drivers and commuters - are to have an opportunity to voice their opinions on the choice of the final products with which the government intends to replace all existing mini-bus taxis.
This is one of the final steps of the Government's Transformation and Recapitalisation of the South African Taxi Fleet Project, which will see the replacement of the entire national mini-bus taxi fleet of 126 000 replaced by new 18-seater and 35 - seater diesel-engine public transport vehicles.
Taxis proposed by eight companies that have been selected from those that submitted proposals to supply the new level of taxis, will be the subject of a show being staged at the Kyalami Exhibition and Conference Centre at the Kyalami race track in Midrand from 27 to 28 January. Examples of the proposed products will be on display while each of the companies will also conduct demonstration drives to enable visitors to experience the vehicles and voice their opinions, which will then be used to guide the project decision on what vehicles will be chosen for the use of the industry.
In addition to the possible suppliers, various government departments and the South African Taxi Council (SATACO) will also participate in the event to enlighten industry participants on all aspects of the transformation process to the use of the new vehicles that will become compulsory for all operators after four years. The exhibition is the culmination of a process started four years ago to revamp the country's taxi industry in line with the Government's overall transportation policy. "Government recognises transport as one of its five main priority areas for socio-economic development," says Alec Erwin, Minister of Trade and Industry. The taxi industry has become an extremely important role player in South African society, but increasing problems in the operation of this sector, is not allowing it to realise its full potential as a contributor to both the economic and social development of the country. We believe that the Recapitalisation programme adequately addresses all the identified problems and provides solutions that will benefit every single participant and user of this mode of transport.
"We attach particular importance to the exhibition of the shortlisted candidates and their products, because our final decision must be shaped by the needs of the users and the operators of the service. This is a practical approach to ensure transparent and efficient response to the market's needs," he said. 2 While the first day of the show will be devoted to a plenary session for officials of the SATACO' national taxi organisations, provincial, local and regional government officials and the media at which the contending companies will do presentations on their products and services while a detailed explanation of the transformation programme will be given. Thursday 27 and Friday 28 January, will be specifically for taxi operators, drivers and commuters to view, evaluate and give their opinions on the vehicles represented. The show will be open to visitors from 09h00 in the morning to 17h00 in the afternoon on these two days and there will be no charge for entry.
The vehicles selected to serve the industry's needs will be announced in April and it is expected that the first taxis will become available no later than October 2000.
For more media information contact Karin Pearce,
Recapitalisation Project Manager, on 083 680 7031.
For exhibition information contact Pula Dippenaar on 082 448
2387, or Colin Horn on 012 310 9950.