On Tuesday, 25 October, Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela met with leaders of different taxi associations across the province, where they were afforded the platform to vent their frustrations about issues affecting the sector. 

She was accompanied by the MEC responsible for the Department of Police, Roads and Transport, William Bulwane, and the Free State Provincial Government Director-General, Kopung Ralikontsane.

The taxi associations which were represented at the meeting are all member associations of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco).

"While a number of issues were raised, Mr Emmanuel Mthimkhulu, the chairperson of the provincial taxi council, maintained that the relationship between the government and the taxi industry was cordial, emphasising that they would like to see that continue," says Palesa Chubisi, spokesperson for the Premier. 

Some of the concerns raised by taxi operators were:

• Difficulty in the renewal of operating licences;
• An outdated system that prevents operators from submitting permit applications online;
• Illegal operators;
• Government officials, such as police officers, illegally owned taxis, which subsequently creates a conflict of interest.

Premier Ntombela stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the often volatile taxi industry. 

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She also said that there was a pressing need to ensure that law and order prevailed and that ownership of taxis by government officials was prohibited.

The meeting resolved that:

• Temporary operating permits are scrapped and taxi operators are issued with permanent permits by the end of December this year.
• The working relationship that the government and taxi operators currently enjoy is strengthened.
• There must be law enforcement in the taxi industry to put an end to illegal practices.

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"We are grateful that, unlike in other provinces, there has been relative peace in the taxi industry and we would like to keep it that way. We therefore must act and stand firm against lawlessness in the taxi industry, which we view as a very important sector in the economy," said Premier Ntombela.

MEC Bulwane also said that he will have weekly meetings with his officials to monitor progress on the implementation of resolutions taken.

The South African