The department was rolling out Covid-19 relief funds in three districts in the province.

Siziwe Ngobeni, Post Investment Associate at National Empowerment Fund, said the process is underway to register all taxi operators who meet the prescribed criteria.

Ngobeni said the funds were set aside under the Taxi Relief Fund (TRF) scheme to assist operators in the industry to mitigate the impact of Covid-19.

Member of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda district taxi association, Shakes Mayakeni, told OFM News that the engagement was helpful, as personnel from the national department of transport were available to assist operators to upload necessary documents, citing that applying online has been a huge challenge for some of them.

Mayakeni said although the funds will ease the pressure, the fare prices remain a challenge as they are still recovering.

The engagement was held in Rustenburg, Klerksdorp and Taung.

Mayakeni said each operator is paid R5 000 per operating license, indicating it's helpful as some lost their taxis during lockdown.

OFM News/Joba Matsheng