Public Transport Microenterprises : Formalization Experiences In South Africa

This note outlines the progress achieved by the Western Cape Provincial Government to attain formalization of the minibus taxi industry envisaged in terms of the National Taxi Task Team (NTTT) recommendations released in September 1996. The Western Cape departed from the other eight Provinces of South Africa by deciding to commit key elements of the NTTT recommendations to legislation in the Western Cape Road Transportation Act Amendment Law. This action was prompted by the determination of the Provincial Minister of Transport to arrest the violent situation that had characterized the Minibus Taxi Industry up to then. The formation of a Provincial Taxi Working Group (PTWG) backed by this legislation has been an effective means to advance the formalization process in the Western Cape Province. This initiative is currently at its most active, and will continue through the remainder of 1998 and into 1999, until the minibus taxi industry has been fully regulated. Training and economic restructuring measures are also being provided according to the NTTT recommendations.