Santaco launches fund to assist owners, drivers
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) on Tuesday launched a fund to assist owners and drivers during the national lockdown.
The public transport industry is under pressure amid a loss of income due to the limited shifts allowed by the lockdown regulations.
During the lockdown, taxis are only allowed to transport essential service workers between 5 am and 10 am and again from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Regulations also state that a single taxi is allowed only 70% loading capacity.
ALSO READ: DA: Coronavirus business relief should not be racialised
The association's national spokesperson Tabisho Molelekwa says the fund will assist those who currently not working.
"It's also not segregating between those who are, and those who are not, because we believe the coronavirus will impact everyone's revenue the same.
"We have also appointed SKX accountant and auditors and Ncube Incorporated as well De Klerk Incorporated and therefore the attorney will be managing the legal aspects of the fund.”
He adds that they are calling the private sector to donate to the fund.
"We are now engaging the private sector whom we are inviting to make a donation and contribute. Tyre manufacturer, vehicle manufacturers to ensure that we are able to assist the taxi industry from finding relief against the harsh realities.”