SPEECH (NOTES) BY KWAZULU-NATAL MEC FOR TRANSPORT, COMMUNITY SAFETY & LIAISON, MR. BHEKI CELE AT THE TOP SIX TAXI MANAGEMENT GENERAL CONFERENCE HELD AT THE DURBAN EXHIBITION CENTRE ON THURSDAY, 18^th AUGUST 2005.

It is indeed a pleasure for me to extend a warm welcome to you all, to the Top Six Taxi Management Biennial General Conference, being held in our beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal.

I also want to extend a special welcome to my fellow colleague and comrade, our national Minister of Transport, Comrade Jeff Radebe.

I am confident that all of you will thoroughly enjoy your time spent in this charismatic, multifaceted and progressive city of eThekwini.

We meet this morning against the backdrop of tremendous progress being made in the taxi industry, as it moves out of its violent past into a viable business entity, and a significant player in our economy.

Government has a planned programme of action to work with the taxi industry in the interest of the general public, and for the well-being and sustainability of the industry.

We will not renege on our commitment to protect the interests of the citizens of our country.

While taxi owners have a right to express their views and sentiments about issues that affect them, in the same vein government has a responsibility to carry out the mandate issued to it by the electorate.

This mandate includes securing and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all citizens, including motorists and commuters.

Government is working relentlessly towards the emergence of a safe, reliable and affordable public transport system in the country.

In this respect, advanced plans are underway for the implementation of the taxi recapitalisation programme.

Certain areas of KwaZulu-Natal, among them Edendale and Mpangeni, have been selected as pilot projects for the roll out of the exciting taxi recapitalisation programme, which will boost the level of safety and business ethos in the industry.

Government is committed to frank and transparent discussions with the taxi industry, and to also work with its member associations in identifying and resolving problems to the mutual benefit of taxi operators and government.

We have always been prepared to sit down and talk to leaders in the taxi industry, and it is time that certain people in the industry changed their ways and used dialogue, rather than threats and intimidation.

I want to appeal to the taxi industry and say that, if you wish to express your concerns and grievances, please first consider the safety of commuters.

Government will not tolerate any action that poses a threat to the lives of commuters.

If you wish to show your dissatisfaction, you have a right to express your concern in any way you like, but it is upon us as government to ensure that we prioritise the safety of commuters, ensure value for money fares, and also ensure that commuters are transported in a lawful manner.

In conclusion, let me assure you that government is serious about "getting South Africa to work" by providing a safe, affordable and reliable public transport service, thereby improving the quality of life of all our citizens.

With those few words, once again welcome to KwaZulu-Natal and I wish you all the best in your deliberations.

Thank you.

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