As the taxi industry is recorded to be the largest mover of individuals transportation-wise, a National Lekgotla is taking place from Thursday 29 October to Saturday 31 October 2020 led by the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula and virtually accompanied by the President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Lekgotla is attended by a diverse group of members from a variety of sectors within the transport industry, including leading taxi associations that represent different taxi operations from short and long-distance traveling, to metered taxis.
The three-day conference will bring forth government’s participation in various discussions with these key stakeholders to address and collaborate on a number of issues pertaining to, law enforcement, safety and compliance, as well as business and economic empowerment. RACS is attending as an official partner to assist government in the preparation of its deliberations with the taxi industry that are currently taking place up until Saturday.
RACS is an experienced facilitator and change management agent for government and the taxi industry. We have been integrally involved in projects such GIPTN project in George, RED DOT and the N2 Express Project. Owing to this, RACS has been contracted by government to assist with the development and production of the National Taxi Task Team (NTTT) Diagnostic Report that reviews the taxi industry transformation plans that were developed in 1996. This report is being presented at the National Lekgotla as the guiding document for discussion purposes. This is pivotal transformational work, as it will facilitate the thinking of the Lekgotla, which will fashion the future. The key areas for discussion over the 3 days are: Leadership and Unity, Industry empowerment, Industry regulation and Industry professionalisation.
Although the transport industry has undergone radical change for the betterment of the economy, it has been met with deeply entrenched socio-political upheavals and systemic conflicts that require an ongoing process of resolution. The success of these engagements will depend on the two entities’ ability to effectively engage, collaborate and agree on set terms and process, and be open to inclusive approaches that consider each party’s needs, interests and ideas. Each of these sectors will need to be held accountable to ensure that all agreements are honored, and key goals are met.
It is in spaces like these, where collaborative thinking and joint problem solving becomes the basis of communication and engagement. The Lekgotla in essence serves as an example of the state’s and public entities’ ability to collaborate towards a future that is all-encompassing and in turn, mobilize society with a clear vision and trajectory.
