Taxi Magazine: Spring 2017 by Jozi Media

VOTED AFRICA'S #1 PUBLIC TRANSPORT MAGAZINE 2016/2017

Official magazine of Bidvest McCarthy Nissan National Taxi Expo 2017TM In support of

SOUTH AFRICA'S BEST SELLING TAXI OWNERS MAGAZINE

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BREAKING NEWS Taxi operators urge women to blow whistle on perpetrators Taxi industry Changing for the Better Customer Service

Spring 2017 Edition #18

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IN THE FRONT ROW

Minister of Transport

JOE MASWANGANYI wants uber drivers to apply for public transport licenses PLUS IN THIS ISSUE Why Bidvest McCarthy Nissan Johannesburg is the best taxi dealership in South Africa? What do you choose when your taxi needs a fix Fuel price hike: Tough times ahead Mally rocks Cape Town!

WHY THE 2017 SA TAXI EXPO WILL BE BIGGER AND BETTER THIS YEAR?

CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD “TOWARDS GROWTH & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY IN THE SOUTH AFRICA TAXI INDUSTRY” safety is the responsibility of all of us, and not only the National Taxi Alliance. There is a growing focus on a system of public transport that is reliable, safe and comfortable, and which responds adequately to the demands of passengers. National Taxi Alliance has welcomed all of the voices within the public transport arena, and in particular, the growing confidence of commuters in the transformation of the taxi industry environment. Even though the old and non-roadworthy state of the taxi fleet is one of the major contributing factors to road accidents, the role of reckless drivers who do not respect the rules of the road and the rights of other road-users, should not be underestimated. It is necessary as well to focus on the role played by taxi drivers in taxi operations. Commuters have the right, at all times, to travel in safety and in comfort, with operators expected to deliver high levels and quality of services. It is the responsibility of Government and traffic authorities to keep operators on their toes and ensure that they respond adequately to passenger demands. Taxi magazine is such an initiative striving to enhance road safety. Objectives: Taxi magazine is placing special emphasis on further educating those drivers who are committed to providing quality service in roadworthy vehicles, while driving safely and with courtesy. Taxi magazine communicates the key message that road

Taxi magazine is also aimed at improving the image of the taxi industry by prioritizing the empowering of taxi bosses as well as customer care. Taxi drivers are motivated not only to respect their passengers, but respect the rights of pedestrians as well. Taxi magazine posed opportunity for partnerships between business and private sector to invest in the taxi industry "and help develop skills". The National Taxi Alliance believes this publication contribute immensely towards stemming the carnage in South Africa's roads. The National Taxi Alliance has emphasized that this publication continues to demonstrate its commitment to promoting safety driving and the social upliftment of both its members and their respective commuters. We continue to seek new partners who share our Alliance's vision and who will contribute to our continued growth and prosperity. Francis Masitsa Chairman

PUBLISHER’S FOREWORD

Meter taxi association and YooKoo Ride ready to take on Uber

Drivers of metered taxis seen near the Sandton Gautrain station on July 6, 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Yesterday, Uber drivers and passengers around Johannesburg were intimidated and harassed by meter taxi drivers who are unhappy about sharing the same routes with the online taxi service. (Photo by Gallo Images / The Times / Moeletsi Mabe). The move indicates a shift from physical confrontations between metered taxi drivers and Uber. The SA Metered Taxi Association — which has been unhappy about growing competition from ride-sharing app, Uber — on Thursday said it had began registering drivers who will use YooKoo Ride, which it described as a “taxi hailing app for smart phones”. The move indicates a shift from physical confrontations between metered taxi drivers, who are losing market share, and Uber. In July, an Uber driver died from his injuries after his car was set alight near Loftus Versveld Stadium in Pretoria. The SA Meter Taxi Association, which has persistently denied any involvement in the attacks on Uber drivers, said the driver registration process marks the first stage of the rollout that will lead to the creation of the largest taxi hailing service in South Africa. It estimated that more than 180 000 vehicles would partner with YooKoo Ride.

In March, the taxi association and YooKoo Ride announced their partnership, which they said will see South African meter taxi companies using the YooKoo Ride cab hailing technology, developed locally. Mzayiya said cab companies had already been identified for registration and they were starting to come on line. The registration will include comprehensive driver vetting and criminal checks complete with fingerprint technology to ensure optimum security and ease of mind for customers. A comprehensive customer relations and driver training programme will follow. “We want to assure our customers that we are committed to providing the safest and most reliable offering in the market. With the benefit of being part of a large and regulated association we believe that this will serve to the customer’s advantage. No other service providers can match our offering,” said Mzayiya. YooKoo Technologies MD Temesgen Tesfay said: “We have been testing the software for the best part of three months and we are confident that users will be most impressed with its functionality. “It is also easy to use for drivers, allowing for seamless communication between passenger and driver. We believe that it is just the ingredient to assist the meter cab industry to play an important role in SA’s commuter transportation industry.”

In a statement the taxi association said, without mentioning Uber, that the “taxi hailing” market in South Africa was “dominated by overseas-based companies who are unregulated”. “We have agreed as an association that we need to embrace technology that would make it simpler for our customers to use our services,” said Taxi Association spokesman Reuben Mzayiya.

_____________________ (Uloyiso Ngavu)

VOTED AFRICA'S #1 PUBLIC TRANSPORT MAGAZINE 2016/2017

SOUTH AFRICA'S BEST SELLING TAXI OWNERS MAGAZINE Publishing Editor Loyiso Ngavu editor@sataximagazine.co.za Directors Loyiso Ngavu Chantal Kruger Tony Ramaphosa Special Thanks to: Gauteng Department of Transport, National Taxi Alliance, Taxi Tracker, , SANews.gov.za, Bidvest Mccathy Nissan JHB, N3TC, Babalwa Buthelezi, Nick Sally, Gordon Clive, Misani Ngavu, Sfiso Ndebele, Kobus Venter, Rob Dickson, Themba Ngavu and Vusi Khumalo Sales Director Sam Adams sam@orangemedia.co.za Events & Advertising Manager Melusi Mthethwa melusi@orangemedia.co.za Creative Director Nipun Garodia artwork@jozimedia.com Layout and Design Orange Media www.orangemedia.co.za

Magazine Subscription Sophy Ramalepe subs@orangemedia.co.za Advertising Inquiries sales@orangemedia.co.za Head of Sponsorships & Advertising Manager Max Maseko max@orangemedia.co.za National Journalists Themba Khoza, Nonky Zulu, Duma Majola, Anthony Bekker, Sipho Mfokate, Steve Botha newsdesk@orangemedia.com Chief Financial Director Misani Ngavu accounts@jozimedia.com SA Taxi Expo Inquiries info@sataxiexpo.co.za

Printers

National Taxi Alliance HQ Receptionist: Mrs Buyile Moya Administrator: Puleng Kotola. Phone: 011 331 9706 / 011 331 5894 Fax: 011 331 9707 Email: nta@nationaltaxialliance.com Please visit NTA website go to: www.nationaltaxialliance.com Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 16:30 Office Address: Carlton Centre Office Building 20th floor. 150 Commissioner St Johannesburg 2001 Independently audited by

General Assistant SLyso Nguni Distributor Allied Publishers

DISCLAIMER

Publisher

This publication is compiled through the use of provided information provide by interested parties, providers and advertisers. The information is offered with the explicit condition and understanding that the accuracy of such information is not guaranteed in anyway and that any decision based on the information should be confirmed at its source. The publisher, nor its employees, service providers accept any responsibility for any loss or damage caused in whichever way as result of incorrect information provided in this publication. Anyone using the information provided by this publication, does so at their own risk, and by using such information agrees to indemnify Taxi Magazine from any and all liability, loss, injury, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such use.

No Implied Endorsement Taxi Magazine does not endorse or recommend any article, product, service or information found within said articles. The views and opinions of the authors who have submitted articles to Taxi Magazine belong to them alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Taxi Magazine or its staff.

2017 ÂŠ Omcor (Pty) Limited TAXI MAGAZINE is copyright under Omcor. In terms of copyright Act 98 of 1978 no part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Publisher.

Official Publication Partner of the National Taxi Alliance

CONTENTS 10 Mally rocks Cape Town! 12 Is L'vovo a taxi boss? 14 Fuel price hike: Tough times ahead 15 Best ways to save on fuel consumption

WHY BIDVEST MCCARTHY NISSAN JOHANNESBURG IS 26 THE BEST TAXI DEALERSHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA?

16 What do you choose when your taxi needs a fix 20 Gauteng to unveil plan to stop Soweto taxi wars 21 Taxi alliance concerned owners could be punished for bad drivers 22 Taxis impounded, fines issued in joint anti-crime operation 23 Transport Minister wants Uber drivers to apply for public transport licenses 32 NTA to acquire 50% stake in the taxi industry's biggest trade show: National Taxi Expo 37 Taxi operators urge women to blow whistle on perpetrators 38 Taxi boss lady vows to fight for women

SOUL CITY INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES #SAFETAXISNOW 36 CHARTER

40 Taxi industry changing for the better 42 10 reasons why your taxi insurance claim could be rejected 44 Know your minister

TAXITAINMENT NEWS

MALLY ROCKS CAPE TOWN! Mally rocked Cape Town Stadium last month and it was definitely an unforgettable show. Here are 10 reasons why Mallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show blew our minds!

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1) He certainly doesn’t call himself the Prince of Kwaito for nothing! Mally’s impressive singing skills are truly out of this world! He killed the crowd with his smashing hit song ‘Sbizelwe’ that we had difficulty keeping up! 2) There wasn’t one dull moment. Mally singed some of his most recent hits from his new - Mallination album. His number one hit Ina That Thing was a massive crowd-pleaser! 3) We love how the 46 000 fans in the stadium totally showed Mally love! We even spotted a fan on the big screen who came all the way from Durban for the show. Eish! Some fans in the multi-generational crowd bopped along to every single track Mally threw out and some knew the lyrics to every single song, which in itself is quite a feat. Fans illuminated the stadium when they pulled out their lighters and cell phone lights during Mally’s spectacular performance of the Namhlanje track. During the show one overly excited fan got so excited when she graced the big screen – not once, but a few times – that she flashed her boobs. Eish! 4) The “other guy” dancing next to Mally, Mr. Gqom, sure got the crowd going – especially the ladies. Malibongwe Sithole musician, MC and motivational speaker (born 11 September 1983) known professionally as Mally, he has been drawn to music since his childhood and was heavily influenced by the sounds of Phuzekhemisi, Ihashi Elimhlophe, Ray Phiri, Spikiri, NaakMusiqand the late Lebo Mathosa. However, it was not until the age of 16 that he actually possessed an amazing voice, thanks to his mother who quickly noticed her son’s talent after she heard him singing around their house. Encouraged by this supportive woman to see some local producers, the sixteen-years-old boy satisfyingly made his way to get the attention of a small production team so that they agreed to help him record a few songs as his demo. “There were ups and downs,” he described the process. “But I loved it and I knew I wanted to do it.” Mally has been creating music since he was a child, and is considered among today’s most talented upcoming artists in SA. He grew up in Ladysmith, one of

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Kwazulu Natal’ poorest villages. Mally is rapidly becoming a household name. The demand for his presence on major festivals is showing the young artist that he has a strong future ahead, yet, a huge responsibility to spread the South African music across the globe. He’s also collaborated with SA top artists including Alaska, Skhokho, AB Crazy, Mshoza and many more other artists. His distinctive sound and style has influenced numerous Afro House upcoming artists. In February 2017, at Jakarumba’s 50th Birthday Celebration, he met Lloyd Ngavu, the founder of Jozi Records, who was impressed enough with his skills and performance to give him one of his business card. Ambitious, Mally continued to call him until he took him under his wing and let him hang around the label’s offices. As of March 12, 2017, Mally had officially been signed to a new label, Jozi Records. He is currently working on his new album that will be released in October entitled “Mallination”Featuting the Smashing Hit Single “Sbizelwe”. 5) His signature dance moves – stomping, shuffling – were endless. Some describe it as “full body spasmas’’ but it still looks cool. It’s Mally after all. 6) Mally loved his Cape Town fans so much that he told them he wishes he could stay in the Mother City longer. He probably says it at every show but hey, at least we felt special! 7) The setup on stage and special effects were top notch. The media weren’t allowed to take pics of Mally during his performance. Bummer! But fans certainly snapped away and shared their pics on social media like Facebook and Twitter. 8) You’ve got to love Mally’s energy. The 33-year-old singer bounced around on stage for 90 minutes and almost never left the stage. Where does he get the energy? Clearly not from performance enhancers. His drug-free these days. 9) He’s a true showman. He kept the banter light and sanged hit after hit. He even dedicated his song Namhlanje from his album Mallination to fans who loves and respect their partners. 10) His Sbizelwe? The song will be featured on Rhythm City, South African drama series on e.tv from 16 to 30 October this year.

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Is L'vovo a taxi boss? Thokozani Ndlovu, better known to fans as L’vovo Derrango, is popular for dishing out great lyrics in his kwaito songs. Apart from making hits and scooping awards, L’vovo is rumoured to be one of the esteemed taxi owners in Durban. When Move! called the Bayangi’sukela hitmaker about his alleged dealings in the taxi industry, he denies the claims.

SECRET IS OUT Have you ever wondered where the Newcastle-born artist gets inspiration for his lyrics, which mostly talk about beautiful women and money? Well, his secret is out. L’vovo apparently spends most of his time hanging out with taxi owners at a taxi rank, near a train station, in Durban. In 2013, one of the weekly newspapers interviewed him for the Metro Awards ceremony in Durban and it was reported that L’vovo preferred to meet at a taxi rank where he usually hangs out with his friends. However, he tells Move! that, “I’m not in the taxi business. I just love hanging out at the taxi rank because most of my friends are taxi owners. When the time is right, maybe I’ll consider getting into the business. For now, I’m still nurturing my music career.”

CELEBRATING SUCCESS L’vovo steers the conversation towards his bash that was held at the Botanical Gardens in Durban a week ago to celebrate his 10-year journey in the entertainment industry. He says he partied up a storm at the bash with fellow musicians such as DJ Sox, Zakes Bantwini and Thebe Mogane. He explains that the musicians were there for him when he was still starting out in the industry. “We started celebrating in Durban but the party won’t end there. I’m

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planning to cover all provinces and invite everyone who has been supporting my music from the beginning. I don’t want to divulge more information but I’m working on a crazy line-up to perform at my next celebrations. I’m excited about this season in my life. I cannot forget guys like Zakes Bantwini who encouraged me to reclaim my place in the game. I wouldn’t have done it without their support.” It’s reported that L’vovo’s mom, Thokozile Ndlovu (74), also praised Zakes Bantwini for discovering her son’s talent and introducing him to the music industry.

THE REAL L’VOVO L’vovo says he plans to record a live DVD, where fans will see a different side of him. “I want people to know the real me and what brought me this far. I will share my private life with my fans. I would like them to know that I’m not just L’vovo, but also someone’s son. This has not been an easy journey but I’ve learnt to focus on the positives and also make room for disappointment.” L’vovo broke into the music scene in 2006 with his debut album, L’vovo Derrango, with the help of music producer Zakes Bantwini. In 2007 he won awards for the Best Kwaito Artist and Song of The Year at the Metro FM Music Awards. He has since brought new exciting prospects for the kwaito genre, together with Professor, Big Nuz, Thebe, Spiriki and many others.

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FUEL PRICE HIKE

Fuel price hike: Tough times ahead With a steep fuel price hike on the cards against the backdrop of the current economic crunch‚ business rights organisation AfriBusiness has warned of tough times ahead.

The organisation‚ with more than 12‚000 member-businesses‚ said a 67 cents per litre increase in the price of petrol and a 44c/l rise in the price of diesel will be felt across businesses and SA will feel the pinch. CEO Piet le Roux said the increase‚ the fourth since February‚ naturally affects the cost of transportation and commuting‚ adding that prices of food‚ goods‚ services and agriculture are determined by the cost of fuel. “Fuel‚ like electricity‚ affects all businesses and adds to cost base. It feeds to the cost structure of the economy‚” he said. Le Roux said the state of the country’s economy was a real cause for concern‚ adding it was a pity consumers and business had no control of the global economic and the country’s political direction. He however said if there was one thing that SA could do was to project political stability and certainty as the value of the rand reacted to political developments. “Though the value of the rand is affected by the movements in the economic sector‚ it also tends to react to political

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developments and the weakening rand impacts on imports and other economic activities‚” he said. The National Taxi Alliance has written to transport Minister Joe Maswanganye requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the hefty fuel price hike. The organisation’s secretary general‚ Alpheus Mlalazi‚ said they could not raise taxi fares in the wake of the fuel cost hike as they were transporting poor people. He said if they increased fares‚ these would be higher than those charged by trains and buses‚ which are subsidised by the state. “Raising taxi fares for us does not make business sense. Already the taxi industry is charging charity fares but we are not sponsored by the state. If we increase‚ commuters will simply go to our subsidised competitors‚ who are charging market-related fares‚” Mlalazi said. He said they wanted Maswanganye to pronounce on their demand for a subsidy or face the industry in the streets or in court.

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SAVE FUEL

Best ways to save on fuel consumption Whoa! Slow the pace The faster you drive the more fuel you use - it's as simple as that. Sticking to the speed limit is not only the most important rule when it comes to road safety but will also save you a wad of cash in your back pocket.

Refrain from revving Revving off into the distance might look super cool on Top Gear, but it isn't the answer to economic fuel consumption or your safety. If your car is an automatic, use moderate acceleration so that the transmission shifts into higher gears. Gear shift drivers should shift down before accelerating. If you accelerate and need to put on the breaks straight away, you are wasting precious fuel.

Hang back with the big guys In serious bumper to bumper traffic jams the pace seems to slow down and then pick up again while more heavy duty vehicles, especially trucks, seem to hang back and take their time driving along at an easy pace. There is a reason why they do this. A steady pace and hanging back keeps gear shifting to a bare minimum making travelling from point A to point B a far more economical journey. It takes less fuel to keep a car moving than it does to get it going at an increasing rate.

Consider an upgrade While new wheels and tyres can improve handling, they create more rolling resistance and increase the amount of fuel used (if they are wider than the stock tyres). If you're looking to upgrade your wheels, tyres and rims then do yourself a great favour and keep the old ones if they are in a reasonably good condition. The stock tyres are best for longer road trips giving you a smoother ride and remains one of the best ways to save petrol.

Make smaller (but wiser) choices If you’re in the market for a new vehicle then it’s a good time to look at how much car you actually need. A basic rule of thumb to keep in mind and consider when making a purchase is: the smaller the car, the less fuel. Perhaps it’s

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a good time to consider buying a hybrid which saves even more fuel, making it a fuel-efficient option. There are more and more emerging choices with regards to Hybrid vehicles, so if you don’t like the one, you might very well like another with options ranging between the Honda CR-Z and a range of Prius models. Driving smaller cars remains one of the best ways to save fuel.

Pure pressure Keeping an eye on your vehicle's tyre pressure is a good idea if you’re looking to gain as much mileage from your tank as you possibly can. Tyres lose air at approximately one psi every month and one pound per-square-inch (psi) for every 10 degree drop in temperature. Tyres with less pressure than they require create more rolling resistance, meaning you will need to use more fuel to keep the car moving. Purchase a reliable tyre gauge no less than once a month. Driving warms up the tyres and the air inside them therefore it is best to check the tyre pressure when they are cool or you will get a false reading. Your car's owner manual with give you the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle.

Check your filter Filter checks and changes are one of the best ways to save petrol. Dirty air filters restrict air flow to the engine which doesn’t make for great performance or fuel efficiency. Filters are simple to check and change; just remove the filter and hold it up to the sun. If light shines through, you need to replace it. Rather use filters that are cleaned - they are far more cost effective than throwing away paper filters and have less impact on the environment.

Use the air-con sparingly Your air-conditioner can use up to 10% more fuel when operating, so roll down your window and let the wind blow through your hair. That said, if you drive faster that 80 km/h the air-con may be more efficient considering the wind resistance from open windows. As drivers in South Africa, we can't do anything about the cost of fuel, but luckily we can control the amount of fuel we use.

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TAXI REPAIR

by Loyiso Ngavu

What do you choose when your taxi needs a fix In the auto world, few things are agreed upon. Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to a particular taxi design, engine size or fuel economy. But there’s another topic that seems to get everyone riled up. It’s the subject of choosing taxi parts when they need a replacement. These fixes are inevitable – they’ll happen sooner or later, and it’s important for you to know what is the right kind of part when the time comes. But that’s where the problem lies. If you know the time to replace a certain part is around the corner, deciding on what you’ll swap it with can turn into a dilemma.

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A Catalogue of Taxi Parts Generally speaking, there are three types of auto parts: genuine, OEM and aftermarket parts. There are also other kinds, including rebuilt, refurbished and used parts. There’s a good chance you’ve heard these distinctions before. If you haven’t or need clarification on them, you’ll find more detailed explanations below.

Genuine parts Genuine taxi parts are the original components installed in your taxi when it was brand new. They are typically the most expensive of all parts, giving many people the impression that they are superior. This isn’t always true (we’ll elaborate on this later). Another thing to keep in mind is that genuine parts, although labelled as a product from your taxi’s manufacturer (you’ll find the logo on the box), are actually made by another company.

OEM parts The term OEM is an acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM parts are basically built on the same line as genuine parts, and have the auto maker’s stamp of approval. Many argue that these parts are the better buy since they cost less than genuine parts.

Aftermarket parts These kind of parts are made by another company besides the original maker. Companies who make aftermarket parts purchase the rights to produce parts for other car brands. They may look a bit different from genuine or OEM parts, but they still fit and perform as if they were the original thing.

Rebuilt parts At its core, a rebuilt auto part is basically a used part that was fully dismantled and refitted with new components. Afterwards, the part is tested to guarantee that it works as well as a new one. These parts typically perform just as well as newer components and in most cases, last just as long.

Age of your vehicle The age of your taxi is one of the main factors that determine what type of parts will go back into your taxi. For this very reason, mechanics and dealerships will recommend certain components, based on whether your car is new or not. If you’re driving a brand new car, it makes sense to go for a genuine part since your vehicle is most likely under warranty. A car that’s more than 3 or 4 years old will benefit greatly from an OEM or aftermarket part. You can also use rebuilt or refurbished parts on a car that has passed its warranty age.

Type of part (that needs replacement) Choosing a particular part also depends on what you’re replacing. Common sense would tell you to rely on the most sturdy parts for big fixes (think transmission, engine parts etc). Genuine, OEM and even aftermarket parts are the best choices when dealing with major replacements. For small items, refurbished or rebuilt items can work as good substitutes. Used parts are acceptable too, but you have to realize that they’re not good for certain tasks. As mentioned earlier, used parts aren’t the greatest for critical components involving your vehicle’s performance, safety and/or efficiency. More wear and tear could make them a little less reliable.

Price & Value

Refurbished parts Refurbished parts differ from rebuilt parts in how they’re treated before use. Typically, they’re used parts that aren’t dismantled, but rather, cleaned and slightly modified. These minor fixings may include things like nuts, bolts and gaskets. The one shortcoming of these parts, is that they are likely to have a degree of wear and tear on them.

Used parts Also labelled as “recycled”, used parts are often a cheaper alternative to the parts listed above. They are great when replacing taxi components that generally don’t break down too fast. That includes things like door trims, handles and mouldings. With that said, they’re not suitable for all replacements. It’s wise to stay away from used parts when replacing things that are related to safety or performance issues.

Narrowing Your Options? So as you can see above, there are six options. That probably doesn’t make things much easier for you, but at least you’re not confined to making one or two choices. However, there are some deciding factors that will make it easier for you to choose the right type of part for your vehicle.

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The amount of money you have to spend is probably the biggest factor that will determine what parts you pick. Ultimately, it’s about value. There’s no doubt in mind that you want to pay a reasonable price for a reliable replacement. A genuine part is almost always reliable, but you might pay more than you need to (when compared to OEM or aftermarket parts). Used, rebuilt and refurbished parts may come at far lower costs, and they are worth spending on if the fix isn’t critical. OEM and aftermarket parts are almost always on par with genuine parts for reliability (sometimes better), without the high costs. Again, the nature of your fix and the age of your car will determine what part you choose in addition to its price.

The Verdict? Open to Circumstance Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when choosing a type of part. It’s all about choosing a component that will provide your car with ideal performance, while saving you money at the same time. Don’t fall for the myths that genuine parts are the only reliable option. Also, recognize when used or refurbished parts will not be the best option for your vehicle. By taking these factors into consideration, you’ll find it easier to narrow in on the right choice for your taxi.

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TAXI NEWS

Gauteng to unveil plan to stop Soweto taxi wars Nanduwe and rivals Wata have been at loggerheads for more than a year. MEC for community safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane and transport MEC Ismail Vadi in Gauteng will on Tuesday announce a plan of action to deal with the dangerous conflict between the two taxi associations in Soweto.

Nanduwe and rivals Wata have been at loggerheads for more than a year. MEC for community safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane and transport MEC Ismail Vadi in Gauteng will on Tuesday announce a plan of action to deal with the dangerous conflict between the two taxi associations in Soweto. This comes as taxi drivers from Nancefield-Dube West Taxi Association (Nanduwe) marched to the office of the premier on Friday. They shutdown traffic flow in the inner city by parking their taxis in the streets. They were demanding to be allowed to operate on their routes again. Members of the Nanduwe group took to the streets on Friday and closed all intersections around the office of the premier. They complained that â&#x20AC;&#x153;unknownâ&#x20AC;? security guards were preventing them from operating on their routes. Nanduwe and rivals Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (Wata) have been at loggerheads for over a year. At times the conflict has become violent resulting in the loss of lives and interruption of commuter services.

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In April, three taxi owners affiliated to Wata were gunned down. A taxi driver and a passerby were also injured in the shooting. Nanduwe accuses Wata of defying a court order to withdraw its taxis from the Dube route and to stop picking up passengers in the area. The two associations have also been fighting over early morning pickup points in Mofolo, Orlando West and Central Western Jabavu. Last month, the dispute was heard by the Provincial Regulatory Entity, which ruled that Wata had irregularly encroached on the routes registered in the name of Nanduwe. Also last month, police arrested three suspects after a shootout between Nanduwe and Wata taxi operators in Soweto. The latest violence erupted after transport MEC Vadi issued a notice of intent to close taxi ranks and suspend routes of Nanduwe and Wata. Taxi services along the affected routes in Soweto were to be suspended from July 6 to August 6.

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Taxi alliance concerned owners could be punished for bad drivers Cape Town - The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) is concerned that a new amendment bill currently before Parliament could penalise taxi owners for the behaviour of individual drivers

The portfolio committee on transport heard on Thursday that the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Amendment Bill doesn't differentiate explicitly between owners and drivers in its proposed punishment for taxi offences. "The Act is unclear as to whether the word 'person' or 'operator' refers either to the owner or the driver," NTA president Mohanoe Masitsa said during public hearings into the bill. "The question which arises is whether the phrase 'operating a motor vehicle' extends to the right of an owner to allow his vehicle to be driven on a public road." The proposed penalty for a taxi driver who exceeds the suggested demerit threshold is a suspension of their licence for 32 days. Masitsa asked that the bill clarify the rights of owners when drivers, who rent their vehicles, break the law on the road. He also said the duties imposed on owners are unrealistic, given that many drivers who rent vehicles are not in possession of a written lease for their respective homes, and therefore can't be served notices at an address. TAXI MAGAZINE

"Ironically the responsible person will never lose his licence because the fine would not have been served upon him, either by registered post or by personal service. "The penalty will then rebound on the owner of the vehicle." If more than one of their drivers commits an offence at the same time, a greater burden is placed on the owner's shoulders than on the individual guilty of the offence, Masitsa said. NTA secretary general Alpheus Mlalazi also appealed to the department of transport to work with the taxi industry in drawing up legislation, and not treat them as "strangers". Mlalazi said the taxi recapitalisation programme was the best thing to happen to the taxi industry, and is evidence of how the department and the industry can work together. Public hearings into the amendment bill continued on Thursday. Business Unity South Africa and the Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association were also due to present before the committee.

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Taxis impounded, fines issued in joint anti-crime operation Some twenty-one taxis were impounded and more than R100 000’s worth of fines were issued when Kouga Municipality and the South African Police Service held roving road blocks in and around Jeffreys Bay on Friday, March 16.

Kouga Executive Mayor Elza van Lingen said the aim of the joint operation was to clamp down on illegal taxi operators in the municipal area.

She said 25 fines, totalling R106 500, were issued to taxis operating without a valid permit and for vehicles and drivers who failed to comply with fitness requirements.

“Public transport vehicles were targeted so as to ensure that they were roadworthy and licensed to operate in Kouga. We wanted to send out a clear message that illegal taxi operators would not be tolerated,” the Mayor said.

Fines totalling R9 800 linked to 11 warrants of arrests, were also collected during operation while one arrest was made for reckless and negligent driving.

“We would like to thank the police for joining us in this anticrime operation. Our goal is to have regular road blocks so as to rid Kouga of illegal taxis and prevent the conflict which tends to go hand-in-hand with this.” The Humansdorp Taxi Association, affi-liated to the Border Alliance Taxi Association, is currently the only association with a valid permit to transport commuters internally in Kouga.

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Twenty-one taxis were impounded, of which 15 have thus far been released after the owners paid fines totalling R37 500. “The taxis were impounded for either being un-roadworthy or for operating in the Kouga without a valid permit,” the Mayor said. “The successful operation demonstrates what can be achieved when we all work together. We will be working closely with Brigadier John le Bok and his police officers with the purpose of reducing crime in all our towns.”

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Transport Minister wants Uber drivers to apply for public transport licenses Metered taxi drivers have accused the government of favouritism, saying that Uber was not included in the same regulations as other public transport operators. JOHANNESBURG – Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi says that he wants Uber drivers to apply for public transport licenses in line with legislation, failing which they will be taken off the roads. Maswanganyi says that after talks with the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), he has concluded that no one should offer public transport services without the required license. This despite his department’s letter to metered taxi operators in which it stipulates that Uber is not included under the National Land Traffic Act which requires all public transport operators to be licensed. Maswanganyi says that anyone who does not abide by the law will be taken off the road.

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“And those which are not licensed have to be taken out of the roads. So no one will operate [this] mode of transport without a license.” Metered taxi drivers have accused the government of favouritism, saying Uber was not included in the same regulations as other public transport operators. Meanwhile, Maswanganyi says the recent attacks in which Uber vehicles were set alight is criminal. “As much as they have got issues with those who operate in this platform called Uber, we can’t allow anybody to burn or intimidate others.” He says a meeting is being planned with both Uber and the metered taxi groups in a bid to end the violence.

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The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) is a South African group body of Affiliated independent national, provincial, regional and primary taxi associations. The primary objectives for which the NTA was established for, are to promote and defend the interests of its members and to on an ongoing basis articulate its members hopes and aspirations, economically and socially. NTA prides itself in its solid Constitutional internal democracy which guides its principled value system guiding the election, decision making and conduct of its leaders and representatives at various levels of interaction with government and corporate. Through our commitments and dedication to our service and safety programmes we aspire for the best service and safety records for our best deserving clients. We have committed ourselves to independently work closely with government to enact and implement enabling pieces of legislation. We equally work closely with corporate to ensure that corporate products produced for consumption by the taxi industry are not toxic and are in effect contributing to the growth and development of the industry. TAXI MAGAZINE

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Why Bidvest McCarthy Nissan Johannesburg is the best taxi dealership in South Africa?

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Comprehensive Insurance

Policy Highlights

Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments, so protecting it against unexpected circumstances is important.

• Pay-out and what you owe to your finance company. • Provides unintentional violation cover. • Reimburses up to r6,000 of your insurance excess in the event of a shortfall claim. • Protects your deposit up to a maximum of R50,000 (optional cover). • Pays a loyalty bonus of R8,000 towards a replacement vehicle of your choice in the event of total loss provided your vehicle is replaced by a Bidvest Mccarthy dealership.

Unfortunately, life can throw many nasty curve balls your way like theft, hijacking and accidents. Luckily, with Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance, you can rest assured that your car is covered against these unforeseen occurrences.

How it works Just one call gets you up to 16 comparative quotations from most major insurers, covering your vehicle against theft, hijacking and the cost of accident repairs. This means we are able to arrange cover that is tailor made to your specific needs. It is a condition of the finance agreement, the asset must be comprehensively insured at all times.

Shortfall Protection An accident or theft involving your vehicle will nearly always result in some sort of financial loss. Even when your vehicle is comprehensively insured, there are usually outstanding amounts that need to be paid. These costs are often unforeseen and are not generally covered by most motor insurance policies. Shortfall Protection is probably the most advanced protection product available, and is designed to protect you in a number of ways against these unforeseen losses.

How it works In the event of a total loss due to theft, hijacking or write off, most insurance companies pay out the value of the vehicle, less any excess amounts due. This pay-out is most often less than what is actually still owing to the finance company. In such cases, Shortfall Protection pays the difference between your insurance company pay-out and the amount still owing to your finance company. This payment also covers your insurance excess up to R6,000. It is important to note that the vehicle insurance must fully cover the value of the vehicle plus all accessories.

Violation Cover Should your insurance company reject a claim due to you unintentionally violating a condition of your comprehensive insurance policy (e.g. late notification of a claim, change of address etc.) then Shortfall Protection will pay the claim. However, this policy does not provide cover if you incorrectly insured your vehicle.

Loyalty Bonus In the event of a Shortfall claim where your vehicle is stolen and not recovered, or is written off, a Loyalty Bonus of R8,000 will be paid towards a replacement vehicle when purchased from a Bidvest McCarthy dealership within 3 months of the above event.

Deposit Protection (Optional) If you have paid a deposit towards your vehicle purchase, then you need to be aware that the finance company will take priority in terms of an insurance pay-out. This could result in you not recovering the value of your deposit. However, if you have selected the Deposit Protector option, then your deposit will also be protected up to a maximum of R50,000.

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Body Guard Even the best drivers have no control over stone chips, trolley dents, hailstones or damage from other vehicles. Unfortunately, the day to day scrapes, scratches, chips and dents of everyday driving can be both expensive and annoying. Likewise, the interior of your car is also prone to tears, scratches and scuffs to items such as your dashboard, door handles, centre console, door panels etc. Seat fabric and stitching often becomes damaged and cigarette burns easily lower the value of your vehicle. Both exterior and interior damage can significantly affect your vehicles resale value. Now, with valuable protection from Bidvest Insurance you can keep your vehicle looking as perfect as the day you first bought it, both inside and out. The Bodyguard and the Bodyguard + Interiorguard policies are designed to keep your vehicle in showroom condition by paying for minor repairs to the exterior or interior of your vehicle. These policies are completely separate from your comprehensive motor insurance policy which means when you claim it won't affect your no-claims bonus or cash-back rewards.

How it works It's easy – should you experience any damage to the exterior or interior of your vehicle, simply call us on 0861 66 88 88, where a consultant will talk you through the process and direct you to the nearest approved repairer. In some circumstances, it might be more convenient for a mobile unit to come to your premises to repair the vehicle. When your claim is authorised the repairs are completed so you are back on the road with your vehicle looking as good as new. The Bodyguard and the Bodyguard + Interiorguard policies are available for new and used vehicles and provide the following benefits depending on the option purchased. Bodyguard can either be purchased on its own or with the additional Interiorguard benefit. The Executive options offer additional benefits together with higher levels of cover for the more discerning vehicle owner.

Policy Highlights • • • • • • •

Improves the resale value of your vehicle. Helps protect your no claims bonus and cash back rewards. Keeps your vehicle looking as good as new. Car hire benefit (available with executive option). Optional interiorguard protects the inside of your vehicle. No excess payable on claims. Affordable once-off payment.

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Tyreguard Even if you're a careful driver, your vehicle's tyres are exposed to countless hazards every time you're on the road. That means no matter how well you drive, you're likely to experience some sort of damage to your tyres. This damage is both expensive and inconvenient but is rarely caused by your vehicle, or the way you drive. Instead, most tyre damage is caused by the roads we drive on, where potential hazards such as potholes, cracks and road debris are common. Thankfully, avoiding unexpected and expensive tyre replacement bills is easy with protection from Tyreguard – a simple insurance policy that covers your tyres for 60,000kms or 3 years (whichever comes first).

How it works It's really simple – when you experience tyre damage, simply call the hotline on 0861 66 88 88 and an agent will direct you to the nearest approved tyre dealer to submit a claim for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged tyre. You only pay for the tread that you've used.

around this time that original factory warranties fall away. Now you can protect yourself from budget busting repair bills with an affordable Bidvest McCarthy warranty that offers financial peace of mind, as well as 24 hour Roadside and Medical Assistance. Bidvest McCarthy has a range of warranty products designed to cover vehicles of various ages and mileage, and which offer cover throughout South Africa. Consult the table in the downloadable brochure for more information on the warranty applicable to your vehicle and ask your salesperson or business manager for a copy of the policy wording which explains the full details of cover. Alternatively you can also call 0861 093 345 and speak to an agent for additional information. Each Bidvest McCarthy warranty includes 24 Hour Roadside and Medical Assistance.

24 Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance:

• Affordable once-off payment.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Warranties

Maintenance Plan

It's an unfortunate reality that car troubles never seem to happen when they're convenient for you. Not only that, but they're often accompanied by expensive call out fees or towing charges in the event of a breakdown.

At Bidvest McCarthy we want your motoring experience to be as enjoyable as possible. That's why we've developed the Bidvest McCarthy Maintenance Plan, helping keep your vehicle in pristine condition.

As vehicles get older, they also become less reliable, and it is

The Plan is designed to provide you with complete peace of

But that's not all – when replacing a tyre, Tyreguard will also pay for the cost of balancing and wheel alignment of your vehicle's tyres. If the damaged tyre is punctured and can be repaired, Tyreguard will also cover the cost of repairs. Tyreguard is available for new and used vehicles and provides the following benefits, which are calculated as a percentage of the cost of replacing the damaged tyre.

Policy Highlights • • • • •

3 year/ 60,000kms cover. Free puncture repairs. Free wheel balancing with each claim. Free wheel alignment when a damaged tyre is replaced. 100% replacement within 2,000kms or 30 days of purchase for new vehicles.

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Run out of Fuel Vehicle Recovery (Breakdowns) Vehicle Storage (Breakdowns) Tow In Courtesy Transport Overnight Accommodation Car Rental Flat Tyre Assistance Flat Battery Assistance Keys Locked in Vehicle Transmission of Urgent Messages 24 Hour Emergency Medical Assistance: Medical Advice and Information Hotline Emergency Medical Advice and Assistance Hotline Medical Transportation Inter-Hospital Transfer Medical Repatriation Escorted Return of Minors In-Hospital Medical Monitoring Compassionate Visits Repatriation of Mortal Remains

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mind relating to all aspects of your vehicle's maintenance and servicing by protecting you against unexpected repair bills and servicing costs. What it covers: • All routine servicing of your vehicle, in accordance with the original manufacturer's handbook, as well as any unscheduled maintenance or repairs. • The cost of parts and labour, as well as normal wear and tear items. • Some examples of wear and tear items which are not normally covered by a manufacturer's warranty but which are covered by the Plan are: windscreen wiper blades; brake pads and discs; headlights and bulbs; shock absorbers; exhaust systems; clutch plates and flywheels.

How it works When you purchase a vehicle from a Bidvest McCarthy dealer you can choose the mileage and the number of years you want covered by the maintenance plan. When your vehicle requires servicing or maintenance, you simply contact your dealer to book your vehicle in for the required work. The dealer then contacts the Bidvest McCarthy Maintenance Plan Administrators for authorisation to carry out the work and the cost of the repairs or servicing will be paid for by the plan.

Plan Benefits • Includes the cost of oils, brake fluids and other lubricants required during servicing. • Protects you against the rising cost of parts and labour. • Transferable to a new owner upon the sale of your vehicle. • You choose what mileage and how long you would like the vehicle to be covered. • All routine servicing of the vehicle is covered in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements. • Covers the cost of normal wear and tear, even after the original manufacturer's warranty has expired. • Includes 24 hour roadside assistance & medical assistance for the duration of the plan.

24 Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance: • • • • • • •

Run out of Fuel Tow In Overnight Accommodation Car Rental Flat Tyre Assistance Flat Battery Assistance Keys Locked in Vehicle

24 Hour Emergency Medical Assistance: • • • • • • • • •

Medical Advice and Information Hotline Emergency Medical Advice and Assistance Hotline Medical Transportation Inter-Hospital Transfer Medical Repatriation Escorted Return of Minors In-Hospital Medical Monitoring Compassionate Visits Repatriation of Mortal Remains

Auto Settlement At Bidvest McCarthy we understand how important it is for you to have peace of mind with your vehicle purchase. That's why Bidvest McCarthy Auto Settlement ensures unforeseen circumstances such as accident, illness, retrenchment, sequestration/liquidation or death do not result in you or your loved ones losing the use of your vehicle.

How it works Your dealer will calculate a premium (paid upfront or on a monthly basis) that allows you to protect you and your family in the event of the following: Accident or Illness Resulting in Temporary Disability Temporary disability through an accident or illness often results in a loss of income. It's this loss of income which might not only change your lifestyle but could result in you not being able to meet your monthly vehicle instalments. Bidvest McCarthy Auto Settlement provides the solution by paying your vehicle instalments on your behalf for up to 6 months. Retrenchment In the event of retrenchment the policy pays your vehicle instalments for up to 4 months while you make provision to resume employment. Sequestration/Liquidation Bidvest McCarthy Auto Settlement protects you in the event of your business being liquidated, or you being sequestrated, and will pay your vehicle instalments for up to 4 months. Dread Disease Bidvest McCarthy Auto Settlement will settle the outstanding amount on your credit agreement in the event of you suffering from one of the listed 27 Dread Disease conditions. Some of the dread diseases include Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke, Paralysis, Blindness, and Alzheimers.

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Permanent Disability Permanent Disability carries with it a tremendous financial burden and in such an event Bidvest McCarthy Auto Settlement settles your outstanding debt with the finance company. Death Benefit Bidvest McCarthy Auto Settlement will settle your outstanding debt with the finance company in the event of your death. This payment does not form part of your estate and is paid without any unnecessary delay.

Policy Highlights • Cover against temporary disability, retrenchment, sequestration/liquidation, dread disease, permanent disability and death. • No medical required (provided you are in good health). • No premium loading. Your premiums remain the same for the duration of your contract.

Service Plan At Bidvest McCarthy we understand how important it is to regularly service your vehicle and also how unplanned service costs can be frustrating. That’s why we've developed the Bidvest McCarthy Service Plan to help you plan and save on future servicing costs. The Bidvest McCarthy Service Plan is designed to provide you with complete peace of mind regarding your vehicle's servicing requirements and protects you against the rising costs of parts and labour. The Bidvest McCarthy Service Plan pays for routine servicing as stipulated by the vehicle's manufacturer.

What it Covers: • Includes the cost of oil, oil filters, air filters, fuel filters, passenger compartment filter element, spark plugs, brake fluid and Anti-freeze required during routine servicing. • Pays for labour charges as per the manufacturer's flat rate service schedule. • Includes 24 hour roadside & medical assistance for the duration of the plan. • Plan options available for vehicles of various ages and mileage.

How it works When you purchase a vehicle from Bidvest McCarthy you can choose a service plan that suits your needs by choosing

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how much cover you want. When your vehicle is due for the required service you simply contact your Bidvest McCarthy dealer to make an appointment and inform them that you have a Bidvest McCarthy Service Plan. The dealer then contacts the Bidvest McCarthy Service Plan Administrator to obtain authorisation prior to commencing your vehicle's service. The Bidvest McCarthy Service Plan covers the cost of the routine servicing of your vehicle, as stipulated in the original manufacturer's service schedule.

Plan options To choose the Service Plan option that best suits your needs, consult the VEHICLE ELIGIBILITY options below for more information and ask your salesperson or F&I Business Manager for a copy of the Service Plan contract wording, which explains the full details of the cover. Alternatively you can also call 0861 093 345 and speak to an agent for additional information.

Vehicle eligibility/service plan (choose how much cover you want) New or Demo vehicles less than 2 years old and less than 40,000 kilometers: • 5 years / 60,000 kilometers • 5 years / 90,000 kilometers • 5 years / 120,000 kilometers • 5 years / 150,000 kilometers • 5 years / 180,000 kilometers (whichever occurs first) Used vehicles less than 5 years old and less than 120,000 kilometers. • 2 years / additional 40,000 kilometers (whichever occurs first) • 3 years / additional 60,000 kilometers (whichever occurs first) Each Bidvest McCarthy Service Plan includes 24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Medical Assistance as standard.

24 Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance: • • • • • • •

Run out of Fuel Tow In Overnight Accommodation Car Rental Flat Tyre Assistance Flat Battery Assistance Keys Locked in Vehicle

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24 Hour Emergency Medical Assistance: • • • • • • • • •

Note: Any items not listed in the manufacturer's service schedule will unfortunately not be covered by the Bidvest McCarthy Service Plan.

Club Bidvest McCarthy Powered by Bidvest McCarthy, Club Bidvest McCarthy is all about ensuring your safety on and off the road, but we’re also about making life more fun and rewarding with exclusive competitions, giveaways and discounts on travel and cool gear for your car, home or just for fun! To start with, the Club offers you and your family fantastic peace of mind. As a member you can always contact us for assistance in an emergency, whether on the road or at home. Our call centre is manned 24/7 and we will dispatch professional assistance to you anywhere in South Africa, or even outside the borders of the country. We even have our own Bidvest McCarthy mobile app which is available as a free download, which has multiple features that will benefit you as a motorist. And when you activate in an emergency, it also helps us to locate you faster.

Multiple membership options We offer several membership options, starting at our entry level Blue tier, which is complimentary when you service at a Bidvest McCarthy service centre. Our top tier, Onyx, is designed for those with multiple cars in the family or household and you can include up to four cars on your membership.

Drive Miles – earn as you spend Then you have our exclusive rewards programme - Drive Miles – which you can automatically benefit from whenever you service your vehicle or purchase parts or accessories through the service department at a Bidvest McCarthy dealer. Drive Miles can be redeemed simply by tapping your card to the NFC reader located at a dealer (or at a retail

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partner in the near future). It’s that simple! Anyone servicing with Bidvest McCarthy, no matter what your membership tier, will automatically be added to the Drive Miles programme and will receive the NFC smart card. The NFC-enabled membership card means that you can easily reap the rewards of being a member of the Club and the convenient format means it’s always there when you need it.

But your benefits don't end there... As a member, you have exclusive access to our online mall, for discounts on a wide range of consumer goods. Awesome travel packages, both local and international, are also discounted. Members also get a preferential rates on car rentals through Budget Rent-A-Car. Not only that but we'll keep you updated through our newsletters and social media feeds on all the latest developments in the world of motoring, plus other cool and interesting news. Not to mention regular giveaways of cool prizes. And membership is so affordable, signing up is really a nobrainer. With the amount you will save as a member, the only question you need to ask is - can I afford not to join?

Bidvest McCarthy Tyres Bidvest McCarthy Tyres was born from a need in the local market and a growing call from our many customers who have entrusted us with their motoring needs for over 100 years. From purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle to servicing and ultimately trading it in; the success of the Bidvest McCarthy Motor Group has always been in listening to our customers - not only meeting their expectations, but exceeding them with innovative new ways of adding value and offering convenience and market leading customer service. You asked us for tyres, and once again we have delivered. We have an extensive network of dealerships countrywide, staffed with professional people using the latest equipment and backed by professionals from the tyre industry all with one aim – to offer our clients the best advice, convenience, choice and value available today. Not aligned to any brand/s, we offer all major makes of tyres, best tyre prices and have sourced quality alternatives for those on a tighter budget. If you are in search of something, please contact us and we will advise accordingly.

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NTA to acquire 50% stake in the taxi industry's biggest trade show: National Taxi Expo National Taxi Alliance announced last month that it is to acquire a 50% interest in taxi industry biggest event – National Taxi Expo for an undisclosed amount. Business Networking Opportunities at the Annual National Taxi Expo® Held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Does your company have a unique product and/ or service that helps a taxi business? Exhibit your company at the largest and only national business to business trade show and conference for taxi owners where National Taxi Expo® attendees shop for products & services from vendors like you. NTA said its business model, sophisticated public transport system and changing the image of the taxi industry business model. "We believe that National Taxi Expo will provide the entire taxi industry in SA with the opportunity to learn, do business and network with the taxi industry key role players," NTA said. For more info: 011 036 2977 or send email to: events@jozimedia.com Web: www.santex.co.za

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WOMEN'S SAFETY

Soul City Institute announces #SafeTaxisNow charter JOBURG – The safe taxi charter proposes that taxis which are safe for women should be easily identifiable and drivers must be cleared by the police.

The Soul City Institute for Social Justice announced it’s #SafeTaxisNow charter after numerous discussions on how to ensure taxis are safer for women. The discussions surrounding the charter began in June following several incidents of women being attacked on taxis. The charter involved various partners including Amandla.Mobi, the Soweto Women’s Forum, ActionAid, 1 in 9 campaign, National Taxi Alliance, Sonke Gender Justice, Gauteng Department of Community Safety and Santaco. The charter calls on the government, the taxi industry and various stakeholders to ensure that taxis are safe, for women in particular. The advocacy manager of Soul City, Matokgo Makutoane said that safe taxis should be easily identifiable and drivers must be cleared by the police, as well being trained and certified as safe. “All drivers will be registered on a database and carry ID cards displaying their safe taxi accreditation.” Makutoane added that the charter would ensure that taxis remain drug- and alcohol-free zones. She said the charter would call for taxi ranks to have CCTV cameras and dash cameras should be installed on taxis. “These feeds will be monitored by an independent centre that will feed to a police station.”

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Theo Malele, spokesperson for the National Taxi Alliance said, “As the National Taxi Alliance, we support the charter and we want to ensure that women are safe at all times, the alliance will ensure all the charter recommendations are adopted by the taxi industry at large.” He added that all taxis which belong to an association should have a sticker on the rear window displaying which association they belong to. He highlighted that those taxi drivers who belong to an association will be held accountable for their behaviour. Amandla.mobi assisted in gathering support for the charter and ran a social media campaign encouraging women to join the #SafeTaxisNow campaign, as well as submit ideas which should be included in the charter. The campaign reached over 700 000 South Africans and over 100 ideas were submitted. Makutoane concluded that they want to ensure that, through their collaboration with civil society and other stakeholders, the charter is adopted by taxi associations and government. The charter will begin to be implemented once it has been agreed upon by taxi associations and government. Let us know what you think of the suggestions on WhatsApp 082 689 4588.

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Taxi operators urge women to blow whistle on perpetrators The Tshwane Municipality joined local taxi organisations marching against the increase in sexual offences in the industry. It follows a spate of rape incidents allegedly perpetrated by taxi drivers. Operators urged commuters to be vigilant. United in their condemnation, this after nine women came forward, claiming they were raped in taxi's. MMC roads and transport Sheila Senkuboge says:"We wanted to take a stand as the city together with the taxi industry and make sure that we know that here in Tshwane we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accept that sort of behaviour and to show support from the taxi industry." Taxi operators urged women commuters to blow the whistle on perpetrators. National Taxi Alliance Piet Mahlangu says:"We are pleading with the law enforcers of this country to say if anything has happened just give us the registration ,we will minimize their duty because we will make sure that we get the criminal." Santaco Abner Tsebe says:"One day it will happen to my wife or anybody's wife. So we need to make sure that we say to the commuters please be careful when you do get into a taxi." The city says it will help ensure safety at ranks. Taxi associations plan to introduce clothing to easily identify legitimate drivers from bogus ones.

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Taxi boss lady vows to fight for women When Lorraine Sifuba started her taxi business, she was clueless about how to maintain a car. "When I started operating, I did not even know car parts, but I know everything now," says Sifuba, who now heads an important division within the National Taxi Alliance meant to transform the industry. As chairwoman of gender affairs for NTA, her job is to ensure that women's voices are heard in the male-dominated industry. Sifuba conducts her daily business in a clean air-conditioned office on the 20th floor at Carlton Centre, in the Johannesburg city centre. Just outside in the streets of the once revered landmark that gave the golden city its shine in its heyday, is the hustle and bustle that gives the city its character. In the mix is a sprinkle of taxi ranks, departure points for commuters to various destinations. This is where Sifuba's bread is buttered. Sifuba operates one vehicle, on the Dobsonville - Jo'burg route. How easy is it for Sifuba as a female taxi operator to convince her male counterparts who are generally known for settling disputes through the barrel of a gun to do things differently and help protect the rights of women? "My responsibility is to show women how to play their roles from associations and other levels. Most women are left with the business when a husband dies. These women have never participated in the business. We have identified women who had been left with a fleet of 10 cars, but a year down the line you will find that she is left with one car." She notes that the collapse of the taxi businesses that widows inherit happens because the women lack the knowledge to run the business. In other instances the women are duped by people they trust, including family members, she says.

In June Sifuba embarked on a roadshow to meet female operators across the country. The project revealed shocking testimonies about the mistreatment of women and their oppression in the industry. "In Limpopo women told me they were not allowed to say a word [in meetings] just because they were women. I have brought that to the attention of our provincial structure there. "They have promised to attend to it, saying they were not aware of such treatment because it happens at association level," Sifuba says. She also visited Free State, and the next stop is planned for either Mpumalanga or North West. She is very careful with her words when it comes to commenting on the issues that have plagued the industry for years, including the violence. "We (female taxi owners) are a small minority. I wish we can find the cause of the violence so that we are able to find solutions. There has been a lot of finger pointing (but) we don't need to throw stones," Sifuba says. Sifuba has travelled a long journey in the industry, starting with her husband during the 1980s when taxis then were sedans.

The desk she heads aims to empower female owners to know their rights and the know-how to run a successful taxi business.

"There was a time when there were serious killings in the industry. Men were dying a lot. We came together as wives to pray for them. Our association at that time was (the) Dobsonville Taxi Association (DTA). That was the beginning for me to get involved in the industry," she says.

"Most women don't know anything about the business. They don't know a basic requirement such as an operational permit.

DTA has become the Dobsonville Roodepoort Leratong Johannesburg Taxi Association (Dorljota), a Top Six Management affiliate.

"When the man is no longer there they don't know what to do. This is where I come in and I wish (more) taxi associations (could also) open up," she says.

She was elected Top Six women's league chairwoman in Gauteng in 2006. She served in that capacity for years as Top Six joined other provincial representative bodies across the country to form the NTA.

Her job to educate women has often pitted her against men who are opposed to change. This she says demonstrates that there is still a long way to go to achieve issues of gender parity in the industry.

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Sifuba has since risen to the national leader of NTA's women's league. She says she immensely enjoys her role of defending women's rights in the industry.

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NTA INITIATIVE

Taxi industry changing for the better One more problem that President Masitsa said it negatively affects the taxi industry and its name, is the abuse of women and children in taxis

National Taxi Alliance (NTA) executive committee.

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TAXI chairmen, drivers and associations met at Kibler Park Recreation Center to discuss groundbreaking developments in the taxi industry on July 10. The meeting was called by The National Taxi Alliance (NTA). It was a robust engagement where matters affecting the industry were tackled head on. Among other issues discussed on the day were the recent taxi violence in Soweto and the fi nancing of the taxis by the alliance. President of the NTA, FrancisMasitsa, opened the meeting by confirming that peace has left the taxi industry, especially in Soweto. To date, law enforcement agencies are investigating at least 13 cases of murder and other cases of attempted murder, assault, damage to property and intimidation involving over 30 suspects and victims.

“I am making a humble plea to stop this violence. Peace to you. Let the guns stop blazing. How many more men, women and children must be lost? My instruction to the leadership of Nancefi eld-Dube West Taxi Association (Nanduwe) and Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) is to be locked in one room with NTA and they must not leave without any resolution. “This is not how to grow and develop South Africa. This is not how to grow and defend the taxi industry because instead, we are inviting the enemy to come in through the back door. I, therefore, call each and every one of you to be an agent of peace,” he added. Masitsa also said that the state of the taxi industry in the country was disturbing, but the NTA had a plan. He revealed that the national taxi strike that was supposed to be held on July 12, was disingenuous. On the state of the taxi industry, Masitsa said the taxi recapitalisation project that the government introduced was disastrous for the industry. “They took our Siyaya taxis and brought China and Russian-made taxis.

Francis Masitsa, President

Kenny Masemola, National Coordinator

Reverend Langa Mthwazi, Chaplain

Alpheus Mlalazi, General Secretary

“We urge the taxi owners to be controlled and disciplined. If you stick with us, no taxi will be repossessed. People are asking whether we will succeed. I said – yes, we will succeed. “This month we are digging and putting in the seed that will grow. Stick to the plan. We will fi nance our own vehicles,” Masitsa said. Masitsa also addressed the problem, which negatively affects the taxi industry, of the abuse of women and children in taxis. “We told the NTA we will be vetting every taxi driver. We want to know the address of the driver, get a copy of a valid ID, driver’s and PDP licences. We want our passengers to be safe.” He continued to say they will be using technology to identify taxis and drivers involved in crimes.

“We told them that the prize of the new taxis will sky-rocket and will be unaffordable but the then Minister of Trade and Industry, Alec Erwin, said we will be forced to buy these taxis. The government “The taxi industry is not a fortress for criminals. had a relationship with these countries and that Anybody who rapes or murders one of our passengers should be jailed forever. Lastly, I want is why they wanted us to buy those taxis.” to reiterate: Phansi Ngezibhamu (Let’s put our He continued: “Within the NTA you have a promise. We say - not some day or any other day, but today - we will help guns down).” the taxi industry to finance itself. We have an economic transformation.”

He told the attendees of the meeting the banks don’t want to finance the taxi owners and will charge them over 25 percent interest. “Because you cannot meet these exorbitant bank charges, we are saying to you today that we are taking over.” He said that in 2006 the scrap allowance was R50 000 and it is now R87 000; however, the Siyaya taxi cost R130 000 then and the Quantum will now cost R400 000. “That is almost a 237 percent increase. “We say it is unaffordable. The most critical thing with NTA is that no application will be refused.

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The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) is a South African group of affiliated independent national, provincial, regional and primary taxi associations. The primary objectives, for which the NTA was established, are to promote and defend the interests of its members and, on an ongoing basis, to articulate its members’ hopes and aspirations, economically and socially. They can be contacted on 011 331 9706/5894 or nta@nationaltaxialliance.com.

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INSURANCE TIPS

by: Rajen Govender

10 reasons why your taxi insurance claim could be rejected Every year, thousands of taxi insurance claims are either partly or completely rejected by insurers because of policy exclusions or a breach of conditions. Here are 10 of the most common reasons why insurers could reject your claim.

1. Premiums aren’t up to date One of the main reasons why claims are rejected is because of unpaid premiums. Make sure that payments are made timeously and regularly or you might find yourself without cover.

2. Unlicensed or unspecified drivers Some policies cover the regular driver only so if someone else will be driving your taxi, you need to specify exactly who will be using it. Also, if the taxi is involved in an accident while being driven by an unlicensed driver, the claim will be rejected.

3. Unroadworthy taxi If you have an accident and it turns out that your taxi is not in a roadworthy condition, your claim will be rejected. This could be because of something as simple as broken windscreen wipers or insufficient tread on the tyres.

4. Driving recklessly or under the influence Your insurance policy contains something called the Failure To Take Care clause, which refers to reckless driving. This means that if you were driving recklessly your insurer might refuse to pay out your claim. There is also a Breach Of Road Traffic Regulations clause, so if for example you were speeding at the time of the accident, your claim might also be rejected. It goes without saying that if you are involved in an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol, your claim will not be paid out.

5. No write-off cover Unless write-off cover is clearly stated in your policy, your insurer will not be liable if your taxi is written off in an accident.

6. Telematics indicate driver error Telematic devices are used to track and recover your taxi if it is stolen, but can also be used to monitor your driving. Some insurers insist on the fitment of a telematics device and if it is found, for example, that bad driving or speeding caused an accident, your claim might be rejected. On the bright side, some insurers use telematics to reward good driving.

7. Tracking and security devices not fitted If your insurance cover is conditional upon the fitment of a

satellite tracking device and you fail to comply, your claim will be rejected. The same goes for alarms, immobilisers and gear locks.

8. Vehicle inspection not carried out Most insurers insist that your taxi is inspected on inception of the policy. This is to check for any pre-existing damage to the vehicle. If this inspection is not done, you are in breach of contract and your claim will be rejected.

9. Vehicle used for business Taxis are insured for private use, which includes using it to get to and from work on a daily basis. If, however, you will be using the taxi during the day to perform your business duties, this will have to be disclosed.

10. Vehicle not parked securely at night Insurers want to know where your taxi is parked at night. If you state that your taxi is parked securely in a locked garage at night but it is found that you regularly leave it outside, you will not be paid out if it is stolen or broken into.

Tips to reduce the chances of your claim being rejected. Read the fine print: Make sure that you are familiar with and understand the T's and C's of your policy. This includes items such as the excess, exclusions and whether other drivers are covered. Be honest and upfront: Don’t withhold any information from your insurer. Be honest about who will be driving the taxi and if the taxi will be used for business purposes. Disclose any accidents you have claimed for in the past. Keep your vehicle well maintained: If your taxi is deemed to be unroadworthy in any way your claim will be rejected so keep up to date with services and maintenance. Drive responsibly: Any reckless behaviour that leads to an accident could see your claim being rejected so don’t drink and drive, obey the rules of the road and don’t speed. Stick to your promises: If you stated, for example, that the taxi is kept in a locked garage at night, don’t park it outside.

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KNOW YOUR MINISTER

Mkhacani J. Maswanganyi Minister of Transport He was born in Dzwerani Village in Vhembe District Municipality, before his family was forcefully removed by the Apartheid regime to Mudabula Village for the creation of a Bantustan. Minister Maswanganyi served in the Limpopo Provincial Government Executive Committee. In 1999 and 2004 Minister Maswanganyi was appointed to the positions of MEC for Local Government and Housing and Limpopo MEC for Sport Arts and Culture respectively. Minister Maswanganyi served as Member of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature in 1994 and Member of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works in 1997 giving the Minister solid and broad grounding in matters of parliamentary governance. He also served as a Permanent Representative of the Northern Province Legislature at African Region Conference, Lesotho (1996 - 1996). Minister Maswanganyi was elected in 2014 in the Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee. He was the Chairperson and Convener of International Relations Sub-Committee. It was also in the same year that Minister Maswanganyi served as the Chairperson of Public Administration Portfolio Committee and appointed to the Nelson Mandela Bay Regional Task Team.

Minister Maswanganyi also held the following positions: • Political Education Officer - Youth League, African National Congress, Far North Region (1991 - 1991)

The Minister also served as a Member of the Transport Portfolio Committee and a Member of the Standing Committee on the Auditor General in 2015.

• Provincial Executive Member - Youth League , African National Congress, NP (1991 - 1991)

He previously served as a Chairperson for the Public Service and Administration portfolio Committee in the Limpopo Legislature. In 2016 he was deployed by the ANC in Limpopo to Parliament as an ordinary Member of Parliament.

• Public Relations Officer - Students Representatives Council, Tivumbeni College (1990 - 1990) • Political Education Officer - SANSCO (1990 - 1990) • Chairperson - Tlangelani Youth Congress (1987 - 1987)

These government positions had been preceded by a long history of activism and advocacy by Minister Maswanganyi through the branch work of the South African Students Congress and the African National Congress including work as ANC Youth League National Deputy President in 1998, while also serving as Convener of the International Affairs Sub-Committee.

• Member - Students Representatives Council (1989 - 1989) • Member - ANC Malamulele sub-region, Limpopo (1991 - 1991) • Member - ANCYL Provincial Executive Committee Limpopo (1991 - 1995)

In 2008-2011 Minister Joe Maswanganyi served as the Limpopo ANC Provincial Secretary while he had been reelected as Limpopo ANC PEC Member in 2005.

• Executive Committee Member - African Region: Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) (1996 - 1996)

Minister Maswanganyi has served these positions while deeply committed to academic education and intellectual advancement completing two Masters Degrees in Governance and Transformation in 2006 from the University of the Free State and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Venda in 2016.

• Leader - Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference Zimbabwe (1997 - 1997) • Leader - SA Youth Delegation to Cuba to attend World Youth & Students Festival (1997 - 1997)

Minister Maswanganyi is also a teacher by profession. He was a teacher at Matsambuhs Giyani (1991 - 1992) and Hlalukweni High School (1992 - 1993).

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