Issued by: Government Communication and Information System
A large audience of national and international stakeholders yesterday responded positively to the Taxi Recapitalisation Project when they were exposed to the details of the project and the possible products at the Kyalami Exhibition and Conference Centre in Midrand north of Johannesburg.
Hundreds of members of national, provincial, regional and local taxi organisations, government departments and the transport industry, together with motor company representatives from Brazil, Germany, Italy, Russia, China and India attended the event, which is being followed by open days for the public and taxi operators and drivers during today and tomorrow Friday 28, to familiarise themselves with the contending products from six supplier companies and the details of the Recapitalisation process while also having the opportunity to experience the possible products.
The Department of Transport enlightened attendees on the important role of the taxi industry in the overall land transport policy of the government, and the South African Taxi Association outlined the important role that the taxi industry has played in the structuring of the Recapitalisation programme while the Department of Trade and Industry explained the details of the process which is to be implemented.
The Director of Special Projects in the Department of Trade and Industry, Suren Singh, says that the Exhibition had started very successfully by creating a high level of awareness for the Recapitalisation Programme and also correcting misconceptions about the implementation of the project while allaying fears in the marketplace about rumoured negative effects its implementation will have on members of the taxi industry .
"We are extremely pleased with the large turnout and encouraged by the response we received from the attendees, and feel confident that by affording all other interested parties the opportunity to visit the Exhibition over the next two days 'will lead to a broader understanding and support for the project.
"The taxi industry plays an extremely important role in the economy of South Africa and the change-over to larger, more comfortable, economical, safer and more affordable vehicles presents a large number of opportunities and advantages for the people who are involved in and also use the services of the industry. This Recapitalisation Project is the culmination of a five year process of discussion and research and consultation which is now finally being implemented," he says.
We invite all commuters, drivers, operators and general members of the public to attend this important event and provide us with their valued opinions and concerns relating to the vehicles on display. We also call all those who have an interest in this process to engage with us in constructive talks towards the important process of implementation which lies ahead .
Mr. Singh also said that the number of contenders had been reduced from eight to six final contenders as Malendela Motor Assemblers and QLS Autobus had been legally disqualified due to their failure to lodge the required proposal guarantees.
For further information contact Suren Singh on 082 7737 622 Issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Pretoria
27 January 2000