South Africa
#Covid19: SA taxi industry needs billions to stay alive─── 10:05 Wed, 08 Apr 2020
South Africa's taxi industry needs over R3 billion to stay alive, according to the SA National Taxi Council.
Santaco's launched its own coronavirus relief fund for drivers, amid concerns the current lockdown may be extended.
The taxi council wants both the government and the private sector to open their wallets, adding that the fund will be independently audited.
According to Santaco President Phillip Taaibosch, "the fund is not aimed at enriching or bringing any operator to profitability but to assist members who, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown, are unable to work".
Taxi owners, drivers and queue marshalls, among others, can soon lodge a once-off claim using a data-free website.
They will, however, need a valid driver's license, cell phone number and bank account.
Santaco says it's not sure if the Transport Minister will pump any money into the initiative.
There's no word yet from the Transport Department on whether they will contribute to the kitty or if there's even money available.
