Photo by: Duane Daws
KwaZulu-Natal Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Willies Mchunu on Tuesday opened the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport’s new regional offices in Empangeni as part of the provincial department’s programme to decentralise the application and issuing processes for public transport operating licences and permits.
The department had also opened another office in Ladysmith as part of its efforts to end conflict and bring stability to the taxi industry.
The new offices, which formed a part of the implementation of the resolutions of the Provincial Taxi Indaba, held in September 2012, would reduce the distance travelled by public transport operators to apply for licences and enquire about matters relating to documentation.
At the Indaba, the slow pace in issuing operating licences had been identified as one of the sources of tension and violence, especially where illegal operators continued to operate with no authority or legal documentation.
“This is part of the implementation of the Taxi Indaba resolutions. The opening of these regional offices is an indication that, when we convene summits, we are serious about consultation.
“This is a product of our engagements with the taxi industry and we hope it will strengthen peace and stability within the taxi industry. This will also provide clarity and eliminate illegal operators in the industry. As government, we are serious about bringing services closer to the people,” Mchunu said.
Speaking at the launch of the Empangeni office, South African National Taxi Council chairperson Boy Zondi welcomed the decentralisation of transport offices, stating that this would smooth the process for operators.
“We are proud as the industry to have a leadership that is serious about improving the conditions of the taxi industry,” he said.