3 minute read
Automotive
Cashback rewards for fuel purchases
Hailing rewards for drivers
SA Taxi
What impact will rewards programmes have on the informal taxi industry? LEVI LETSOKO reports
Multiple industries in South Africa have adopted loyalty and rewards schemes to secure ongoing transactional relationships with their customers. The taxi industry is no different, and is currently mapping out a working formula for formalising the sector, while looking to embrace customer relations programmes. of a medical aid scheme with habitual grocery shopping tendencies or a frequent visitor at the pharmacy, you have de nitely been targeted as a potential bene ciary for a fuel rewards scheme. The trend of connecting fuel companies and multiple lifestyle and banking groups to create fuel rewards programmes has grown over the last decade. Here are the top three collaborations:
The SA Taxi Rewards programme is the brainchild of SA Taxi – an organisation that has tagged the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) as one of its major stakeholders. The programme was conceptualised to uplift the industry. It is a systematic rewards scheme that aims to pull in key players in the sector including drivers, associations and the staff that manage passengerrelated duties, says Maroba Maduma, SA Taxi’s group communications executive.
“SA Taxi Rewards has teamed up with BP, Shell, Total, Autozone, Supa Quick and Autoboys to alleviate fi nancial pressure on taxi operators resulting from COVID-19 and the lockdown period,” says Maduma. “The
Fuel rewards to keep you on the road
If you are a vehicle owner and a member programme is not limited to SA Taxi clients only;
FNB eBucks and Engen
Drivers earn up to R8 back per litre when making fuel purchases at Engen outlets with an FNB or RMB Private Bank Card.
Sasol and ABSA Rewards
Absa account holders can get up to 30 per cent cash back when they ll up at Sasol or purchase goods. This is applicable to every amount of R3 000 swiped.
BP and Shell with Discovery Insure
By lling up at BP or Shell, drivers can get up to 50 per cent cash back.
Sources: FNB eBucks; ABSA; Discovery Insure it is a programme that any taxi operator can register to be a part of and earn rewards.” As an informal sector, the taxi industry circulates billions of rands per annum through expenditure and acquisitions. This rewards Maroba programme means that
Maduma operators can now qualify for discount deals with assigned suppliers.
Simphiwe Shinga is a business owner in the sector and a member of the Lindelani Taxi Association. He joined SA Taxi Rewards in March 2020 after it was recommended to him by a fellow operator. “I’m able to earn points on a daily basis, says Shinga. “I receive cashback benefi ts with every fuel purchase. COVID-19 abruptly forced us to adapt to the new lockdown measures. This rewards programme has put money back into my pocket with every fuel spend. A programme like this makes my day-to-day operations seamless, while expanding my business at the same time.”
In an attempt to provide innovative solutions to the processes that uphold the feasibility of the sector, SA Taxi has negotiated deals with some of its biggest service providers. “We are constantly engaging with the industry to understand better what it is they want more access to. Through these engagements, we are able to target the right partners that best suit the operators’ needs,” says Maduma.
The initiative has, however, been met by numerous pushbacks from various corners. The industry itself is very traditional in its approach to solutions that are meant for its upliftment. Nevertheless, benefi ciaries are excited about what the future holds.
“SA Taxi did well by introducing this programme to the industry, especially during these trying times. The more fellow taxi operators and associations that join this programme, the more successful the taxi business owners will be,” affi rms Shinga.
