Issued by Ministry of Transport
31 August 2000
The Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar today stressed the importance of the minibus recapitalisation project as it will empower local communities and industries, and also greatly contribute to black economic empowerment, in addition to making travel more efficient, safe and pleasant for commuters who depend on minibuses for travel.
The Minister said the Recapitalisation Project has the greatest potential to meaningfully empower the Taxi industry and the South African economy in general. He said that the production and assembling of new 18 and 35 seaters vehicles which will be done in a joint venture with local companies has the potential to create many jobs in our country, and improve many lives.
He added that one of the key criteria for bidders to qualify to produce the new vehicles, requires that the successful bidder will have to assemble the vehicles in South Africa, with all related services being done in joint ventures with local companies. This kind of partnership will not only create jobs, but transfer a lot of skills and experience to our local companies.
The Minister added that maintenance and service centres are envisaged to be operated with local companies and cooperatives. Many jobs can be created directly and indirectly, which will more than offset job losses at other levels. The Empowerment Programme include assisting entrepreneurs in the taxi industry to open spare parts and tyre outlets, service stations as well as provision for training for drivers, mechanics, business managers, etc.
The Minister appealed for support for all the initiatives and efforts to transform and democratise the mini bus taxi industry, as this has the greatest potential for more jobs, training and economic empowerment.
Issued by:
Ntau Letebele
Acting Media Liaison Officer to the
Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar
Pretoria
083 680 7075