The South Africa National Taxi Council (Santaco) in Gauteng says it will embark on shutdown on Monday.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula announced the relief for the sector to the tune of R1-billion.
But Taxi associations say the amount is insufficient and that government must find more money.
Minibus taxi owners aren’t happy with the conditions attached to accessing the funds, such as registering with Sars and opening a business bank account.
Gauteng on fire. SANTACO in Gauteng just informed us they have taken a decision to shutdown on Monday.
— SANTACO (@SA_Taxis) June 19, 2020
SANTACO in Gauteng say today’s meeting was only to intensify their Monday shutdown. They say the planned shutdown was long announced and remarks by the Minister today only confirmed that their long-held position to shutdown was right.
— SANTACO (@SA_Taxis) June 19, 2020
Taxi owners had asked for a minimum of R20000 each.
But the government is offering R5000 and wants the taxi sector formalized.
Mbalula says taxi bosses have already told him they’re not happy.
He warned against any planned shutdown by the industry.
“Shutdowns will not work. It will be detrimental to the industry itself and its survival. But equally, we would be misunderstanding the whole situation we are in, which is fighting COVID-19. And the taxi industry has come to the party in a big way. And we appreciate that.”
Santaco says R1.1-billion in relief is not enough.
It’s still unclear if the shortfall will be passed on to commuters, through drastic price hikes.
-eNCA
In other news – Inside Thando Thabethe’s lockdown 30th Birthday dinner – Pictures
Happy belated birthday to one of Mzansi’s most-loved television and radio personalities Thando ‘Thabooty’ Thabethe.
The former 5FM DJ recently took to social media to share some of the moments from her special day, writing. “Yesterday was nothing short of magical.” Adding that Covid19 has affected the way we celebrate special moments. “This pandemic has forced us to rethink how we celebrate important moments in our lives.” continue reading
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