KZN Transport Minister Siboniso Duma stated that the province's taxi industry transports over five million passengers daily and employs more than 100,000 people.
Duma highlighted the sector's economic contribution and its transformation over the past 25 years, coinciding with the silver anniversary of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), which marked the event with a gala dinner over the weekend.
In his statement, Duma noted that the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognize the organization's role in transforming the public transport sector and improving people's lives.
He said: 'We gathered not only to celebrate the anniversary of this giant organization but also to reflect on the critical role SANTACO has played for many years in improving the quality of life for the people of this province and country.'
Duma explained that after apartheid, the taxi industry underwent significant changes because Black taxi operators faced restrictions in legally participating in the formal public transport sector. Applications for operating permits were deliberately rejected, forcing many Black entrepreneurs to work illegally.
Duma commended the democratic government under former President Nelson Mandela for leading the transformation process, specifically mentioning the former KZN Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele for his involvement in expanding Black participation in the industry. Duma reported that 'with an initial budget of only 8 million rand, he facilitated the accelerated entry of Africans into the public transport sector.'
Since then, the industry has developed: taxi operators have established successful businesses, and some have expanded into bus services. Duma noted that owning expensive taxi minivans demonstrates the growth of Black entrepreneurship and the increasing business power of the industry. He added: 'It is critically important that today we are talking about fully formed entrepreneurs who operate Toyota Quantum minivans—each costing over one million rand.'
He also called for a change in attitude towards successful Black businessmen, stating that negative perceptions continue to undermine recognition of their achievements. 'Therefore, we must celebrate this success—be proud of it and continue to disappoint the pessimists,' said Duma.
According to the minister, KwaZulu-Natal has over 25,000 taxis that transport more than five million passengers daily. The industry generates over 20 billion rand annually and employs more than 100,000 people, with employment continuing to grow. Duma also mentioned that over 8,000 taxis in the province are owned by female operators, highlighting their contribution to the industry. He concluded that the taxi industry remains a vital part of the province's public transport network and an important source of job creation and economic transformation.