THE SOUTH African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Thabo Mofutsanyana region in the Free State says it's successfully transformed the taxi industry from being viewed solely as a mode of public transport into a sustainable business sector.
Through improved leadership, unity among operators, and a stronger focus on economic growth, Santaco has encouraged taxi owners to embrace sound business practices, invest in their operations, and create opportunities that benefit both operators and commuters.
Santaco chairman of the South in the Thabo Mofutsanyana region, Maine Menyatso, has officially opened a fully operational taxi spares business on the premises of the QwaQwa United Taxi Association (Qwauta) on Thursday, 9 July.
The initiative is intended to improve vehicle maintenance, reduce downtime, and ensure taxis remain roadworthy while strengthening the industry's economic sustainability.
"This new venture forms part of our broader vision to diversify the taxi industry's investments and establish businesses that directly benefit taxi owners and the communities they serve. This is only the beginning of our journey. We have many exciting plans that are still to be implemented as we continue transforming the taxi industry into a sustainable business.
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"Our next milestone is the establishment of our own fully equipped workshop, where we will service and repair our fleet while reducing operational costs. We are also at an advanced stage of establishing our own filling station, which will further strengthen our business and create long-term value for our members. The future is bright, and we remain committed to building a self-sustaining, world-class taxi industry," he said.
Qwauta representative Moeketsi Kganye said the legacy of the late taxi boss Matshediso Nteo continues to live on through the transformation plans she envisioned for the taxi industry.
Kganye said Nteo, who was brutally killed, had long dreamed of ensuring that taxi owners build sustainable businesses with a lasting legacy beyond daily transport operations.
"Our former taxi chairwoman is still resting in her grave, but her vision is already coming to life. These were her plans, to ensure that every taxi owner leaves behind a lifetime legacy by investing in businesses that will benefit the future," he said.
