Pretoria - Transport Minister, Sibusiso Ndebele, has urged taxi operators to work with government in an effort to provide an effective, safe and affordable transport system.
Speaking with the leadership of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) on Monday, Ndebele said the meeting was part of on-going engagements between government and the taxi industry.
Ndebele was accompanied by Transport Portfolio Committee Chairperson Ruth Bhengu, Transport Director-General Mr George Mahlalela as well as other officials from the Transport
Department.
"During the World Cup, our key responsibility is to get people to the stadium safely and on time. We also need to get the fans out of the stadium back home and to the hotels in safety," he said.
The minister said transport is a critical to the success of the World Cup.
"Public transport is about the commuter. Democracy is not only about the right to vote, it also about the freedom of movement.
"We will continue our intensive engagement with the taxi industry, civil society and other relevant stakeholders on many issues including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, BRT, the taxi recapitalisation programme as well as the regulation and legislation of the industry," he said.
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SANTACO President, Arthur Jabulani Mthembu, reiterated that the taxi industry remains committed to the success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"As the taxi industry, we want to move forward. To this end, the taxi industry is ready and fully committed towards ensuring a successful 2010 FIFA World Cup," said Mthembu.
