FEDUSA Calls on the Department of Transport to Speed Up Recapitalization and Formalization of the Taxi Industry
18 November 2020
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) has called on Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula to announce plans to speed up the recapitalization and formalization of the taxi industry when various taxi associations march to his Ministry tomorrow to hand over a Memorandum of Demands related to a COVID-19 Relief Scheme.
While seeking to underplay the industry’s grievances related to a COVID-19 Relief Fund promised by government, FEDUSA believes that it is also time to find a lasting solution to the myriad of operational challenges they face in view of the vital socio-economic role that it plays in the country.
Taxis contribute an estimated R40 billion to the national Gross Domestic Product a year, employ some 250 000 people in direct and indirect job opportunities including drivers, taxi marshals and administrative support and move 68% of 5.4 million commuters to and from work on a daily basis according to StatsSA, including thousands of FEDUSA members.
Formalization and regulation of this industry – which is long overdue – will see taxi drivers and all other categories of workers in the industry enjoy full access to statutory employment benefits such pension or provident funds, health care benefits for themselves and their families, formal work contracts, paid leave; and freedom from both physical and emotional violence.
FEDUSA also hope that the planned march to the Ministry tomorrow will be peaceful and that an amicable solution will be found to address the impasse.
(238 Words).
For interviews please contact:
Ms Riefdah Ajam
FEDUSA General Secretary
079 696 2625
Issued by:
Frank Nxumalo
FEDUSA Media and Research Officer
072 637 8096