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28 October 2006

Today, as we officially announce the start of the much-awaited scrapping of old and unroadworthy taxi vehicles, we also welcome the introduction of new taxi vehicles as approved by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). And we all say in unison that time has finally arrived for the removal of old and unroadworthy taxi vehicles on our roads once and for all. Many years of serious work and dedication to the Taxi Recap Programme (TRP) are now paying off and have culminated to fruition.

My predecessors former Ministers Mac Maharaj and the late Dullah Omar’s legacy was not in vain. It would be incorrect of us to claim victories of today without acknowledging the contributions made by our predecessors. We continue to build on foundations they left behind for our generation. We continue to maintain that South Africans deserve a better, more reliable and safer public transport and today's event does exactly that.

The event today is in line with our key pillars of the TRP rollout strategy; the scrapping of old taxi vehicles, the introduction of new and safe vehicles, effective regulation of the industry, empowerment of the taxi industry and law enforcement. This strategy recognises that the TRP is not only about the replacement of old vehicles with new and safe vehicles, but presents government with the opportunity to transform, empower and regulate the industry.

The victories we have achieved so far include the publication of Safety Requirements in September 2006, the establishment of a scrapping administration agency, and thousands of taxi operators have applied for the conversion of permits to licences, the National Land Transport Transition Act (NLTTA) Amendment Bill has gone to Parliament to enable government to implement the TRP. And for the first time in the history of the taxi industry we are about to press the button for the scrapping of ageing taxi vehicles to begin in earnest. We are also about to witness the introduction of new taxi vehicles as approved by the SABS.

Madam Premier, your province is today writing a chapter in our history by ensuring that it setting in motion the process of scrapping the old taxi vehicles. I'm therefore delighted to announce that for the first time in the history of the Taxi Recap, we will witness the real-time scrapping of old taxi vehicles. But let me also reassure MECs from other province that our Scrapping Administration Agency, Siyazi Consortium, is also far in advance in setting-up scrapping facilities in various provinces. Details of where to find these facilities will be available in due coarse. Our target is to ensure that we recapitalise 85% old taxi vehicles by 2010. We hope that thousands of taxi operators throughout the country are inspired by today 92s events.

Questions have been asked whether we would be able to deliver new Taxi Vehicles by today. Doomsayers have predicted the worst. Programme Director, I'm therefore delighted to announce that the following vehicles under the minibus category have been certified by the SABS:

Toyota Quantum (14 seater)
Nissan Interstar (15 seater)
Fiat Ducato (15 seater)
Mercedes Benz 308 CDI (16 seater)
Peugeot Boxer HDI (16 seater)

Under the Midibus category:
Mercedes Benz (22 seater)
Marcopolo Volare short-wheel Base A8 (22 seater)
Iveco 50c 14v15 (22 seater)
Marcopolo Volare Long Wheel Base A8 (26 seater)
Isuzu NQR 500 (35 seater)

Most manufacturers have worked tirelessly hard to comply with our safety requirements. We thank you for that.

Our assessment of the progress we have made contrasts sharply with the pessimism as expressed in some quarters within the taxi industry. We remain convinced that through partnership and ongoing consultations with relevant players, further milestones will be achieved.

We are satisfied with the level of consultations and the inputs made by all our stakeholders during this process. We are committed to finding solutions and willing to address genuine concerns on the part of the taxi organisations that show commitment of improving safety for our people.

Though we encourage the democratic right of individuals to demonstrate and express their concerns, I however want to point out that fear and intimidation no longer have a place in the taxi industry. And operators should also commit to working with us to discourage such behaviour. Taxi operators have the right to criticise government without fear and express views that are even contrary to our position. And we will not impose our own vision and agenda on the taxi industry.

We are also not threatened by the presence of a strong and vibrant taxi industry that vigorously defends and advances the interests of taxi operators. However, let me hasten to mention that hooliganism and lack of respect for others will be dealt with severely. We can no longer continue to get enjoyment from disrupting the lives of our people in the manner in which some of you are doing. This is an appeal to all taxi bodies to reflect on this matter or to face the consequences.

In those few words, I want to take this opportunity to commend thousands of taxi operators who have responded positively to our call to apply for the conversion of permits to operating licenses. I must specifically thank the national leadership for their role in mobilising taxi operators to convert. I also want to reassure you that the taxi industry will never be the same again. Today is the beginning of a new chapter that will take the taxi industry to greater heights.

Ngiyabonga!

Issued by: Department of Transport
28 October 2006