Dobsonville Roodepoort Leratong Johannesburg Taxi Association (DORLJOTA) chairperson, Peter Mabe, has called on the government to fulfil its long-standing promise of subsidizing the taxi industry without further delays.
Speaking at the DORLJOTA AGM recently held in Ethekwini, Durban, Mabe expressed sympathy for Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, acknowledging the challenging task she inherited to fast-track the subsidization process.
“The subsidization issue has been on the table for many years, and it is time we move to the next stage,” Mabe stated.
He noted a positive shift in the taxi industry, saying it is more united than ever. “What is encouraging is that SANTACO, NTA, and Top Six Management are now speaking with one voice on many issues of mutual interest at the national level. This augurs well for the unity, stability, and future of the taxi industry,” he said.
However, Mabe expressed concern over the impact the reintroduction of trains in the townships is having on taxi business as the trains are subsidized.
“As DORLJOTA we are deeply dismayed at the government’s tacit approval of the uncompetitive behaviour of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)
“While the gradual and systematic reintroduction of the suburban rail commuter in our townships is welcome as it helps to restore South Africa as a modern country that provides options for commuters, we are outraged that this is done at the expense of the survival of the taxi industry, particularly DORLJOTA,” he explained.
Mabe also highlighted the organisation’s partnership with the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) to provide housing for their members and drivers.
He praised Cllr. Mlungisi Mabaso for making it possible for his members to have access to affordable housing closer to their workplace.
“Through this intervention, spearheaded on the City’s side by MMC for Human Settlements, councillor Mlungisi Mabaso, our drivers monitors and other members are renting flats developed by JOSHCO in the Roodepoort CBD to be closer to their workplace, great schools for their children and business amenities,” he said.
Furthermore, he called on government to Fasttrack the issuing of New Operating Licenses.
“New Operating Licenses are not being issued because of the two spheres of government at both local and provincial levels not adhering to NLTA, which is a burden to our members. We hope this matter is sorted out.”
Mabe has harsh words for banks criticizing them for the excessive interest rates they charge when financing vehicles. “It would seem banks are hell-bent on throttling us out of existence. The onerous conditions they put on new applicants for taxi finance and astronomical charges they impose on us are putting our members on the brink of bankruptcy. We are barely surviving as the financial sector is milking us dry,” he said promising action.
“This is an issue that we need to tackle with utmost decisiveness, vigour and speed inside and outside DORLJOTA.”
CRITICISM OF BANKS
Mabe did not mince words when addressing the financial sector, accusing banks of exploiting taxi operators with excessive interest rates.
“It would seem banks are hell-bent on throttling us out of existence. The onerous conditions they put on new applicants for taxi finance and astronomical charges they impose on us are putting our members on the brink of bankruptcy. We are barely surviving as the financial sector is milking us dry,” he said.
He promised decisive action on the matter, stating, “This is an issue that we need to tackle with utmost decisiveness, vigor, and speed inside and outside DORLJOTA.”
