12 March 2001
"Unity in action for change"
The National Department of Transport will be launching the BE LEGAL Campaign at the Jack Mincer Taxi Rank in Johannesburg on the 15 March 2001. The BE LEGAL Campaign is a short-term emergency national campaign driven and coordinated in conjunction with Provinces and in partnership with local government.
The campaign provides an opportunity for illegal minibus taxi operators to apply for operating licences in terms of the National Land Transport Transition Act and to subject the whole industry to regulation and effective law enforcement. The objectives of the BE LEGAL Campaign are:
The campaign will be for a period of seven (7) months from the 15 March 2001. Four (4) months will be utilised for the receiving of applications and three (3) months thereafter for processing and finalisation of the campaign.
The launch will take the form of a Press briefing from 07h30 – 10h00 at the Johannesburg Arts Gallery followed by a visit to the taxi rank by the Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar and provincial MEC’s of Transport. The Minister and MEC’s will interact with the public particularly, drivers, operator and commuters.
As a supportive mechanism to the creation of a conducive climate for the BE LEGAL Campaign, eligible taxi operators will be exempted from prosecutions and the impounding of their vehicles only for the offence of operating a taxi without a valid permit.
Applicants who wish to participate in the BE LEGAL Campaign will have to complete a special application form (BLC) with Annexure. A general information sheet will be available with applications forms to guide applicants. These forms and information sheets will be available at the Board, Provincial Taxi offices, offices of the Registrar and other points as determined by the Province. Special arrangements can be made to have supplies of forms available at Municipal offices.
ISSUED BY:
Mike Mabasa
HEAD: Media Liaison and Corporate Communication
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT
TEL: 083 680 7048
FAX: 083 676 8450
Pretoria