Question NW2543 to the Minister of Transport

Reply:

(a) How is his department or any of the entities reporting to him involved in the elections of the leadership of the SA National Taxi Council (SANTACO)?

Although government was involved in the establishment of SANTACO, the Department does not get involved in the election of its leadership. As a Section 21 company SANTACO is entitled to elect its own leadership independent from government.

(b) What reports have been provided to him and his department in this regard in the past three financial years?

Regarding the general administration of SANTACO, government committed to funding the organization to support the formalization of the taxi industry. In this regard, SANTACO submits a Business Plan at the beginning of each financial year and based on that, a Service Level Agreement is then entered between SANTACO and the Department to:

(i) Set milestones whereby funds are transferred upon achievement thereof; and

(ii) Require that reporting for expenditure monthly be in place and also that SANTACO provides audited financial statements in order to release funds for any new financial year.

(c) What are the main achievements of SANTACO in the past three financial years?

The rollout of the Hlokomela Programme/Campaign in all nine provinces has been a positive step in the right direction. The programme is aimed at reducing road accidents through checking and monitoring taxi vehicles, monitoring driver behavior and conditions as well as ensuring commuter wellness and safety. This is an ongoing programme by SANTACO to try and change the face of the taxi industry for the better.

(d) How did his Department or any of the entities reporting to him benefit from this?

Although progress has generally been slow, the biggest benefit for the Department, is the ability to engage with a formalized structure regarding any taxi related issues and allow the Department to utilize this platform for engagement with the industry at large.