As we usher in the new year with optimism, many of us have big ambitions and a long list of long-term personal goals, along with detailed plans on how we want to achieve them. However, the challenge lies in translating these plans into action. This is a struggle the taxi industry knows all too well.
Over the years, the taxi industry has formulated well-crafted policies with programme of action plans designed to drive its envisaged growth and secure its rightful place in the mainstream economy. Yet, implementation has remained a serious challenge. When we look back, it’s evident that the industry has not achieved as much as its potential compared to other sectors.
Today, the taxi industry has unprecedented opportunities to thrive compared to yesteryears. There is nothing stopping it from revisiting the idea of establishing a taxi bank or venturing into industries such as healthcare, hospitality, technology, manufacturing, aviation, and rail transport — the list goes on. The industry, contrary to popular belief, has the resources and capacity to make a meaningful impact in any of the above-mentioned sectors — provided it takes decisive action, coupled with equal commitment. However, continued over-reliance on external support will not advance its cause if nothing is done to change this.
Various critics and experts often put the blame squarely at the doors of the taxi industry, pointing to challenges such as lack of unity, insufficient skills, violence and minimal government support as some of the barriers to progress. But taxi operators must wake up to the reality that no one else, will build their success for them. Economic empowerment starts from within. They themselves have power and the ability to change their own lives, and make the industry prosper as they make a meaningful contribution in the economy and communities it serves.
we commend Toyota South Africa for its proactive role in empowering the taxi industry through the Ses’fikile training programmes. This initiative equips operators with essential skills to help them navigate the complexities of starting, managing, and running their businesses operations effectively and successfully.
It is important to note that since its launch, the Ses’fikile programme has to date transformed the lives of 1563 taxi operators since it started in 2016. We equally welcome Toyota South Africa’s commitment to continue with the training programme this year as we celebrate with them the class of 2024!
