2009-08-26: Joburg Taxi Industry negotiaition team for Phase 1A BRT Contract
WE have called for this press conference to primarily introduce ourselves to the media, as well as the Local and International community as the Joburg Taxi Industry Negotiation Team for Phase 1A BRT Contract.
The Taxi Industry Negotiation Team comprises members of the Taxi Industry in Johannesburg who have been mandated to represent taxi owners from nine Taxi Associations identified as affected by the implementation of the new BRT system and are willing to participate in the first phase (Phase 1A) negotiation process. The taxi owners involved in the negotiation process are members of the following Associations:
WATA / JTA
STS
NANDUWE
MDN
DIEPMEADOW
DORLJOTA
BARA-CITY
NOORDGESIG
JSSTA
The Taxi Industry Negotiation Team has also been supported in the negotiations by the representatives of two Regional and Provisional Taxi Structures namely Greater Johannesburg Regional Taxi Council (GJRTC), Top Six Taxi Organisation, Gauteng Taxi Council (GATACO) and Gauteng Structure of the National Taxi Alliance (GNTA). The invitation to observe and support the Joburg BRT negotiation process was also extended to our National Taxi Structures i.e. SANTACO and the NTA prior to the start of negotiations. They have not responded to the invitation at this stage.
The Negotiation Process started three weeks ago as announced by the CoJ’s Mayor last week and it is anticipated to continue for two-three months from now. The BRT operations would kick-start on 30 August as an interim service to prepare the system for full scale operations once the Negotiation Process is completed. Despite the fact that we are still finalising and negotiating certain aspects related to the interim operations with CoJ, the start of operations is supported in principle and we look forward to complete the negotiations, form a Bus Operating Company and take over the operations within a few months.
It is also important to note that all drivers of the BRT buses and majority of employees being hired for the start of the operations are former formal and informal employees of the Taxi Industry. Their recruitment has been based on a premise of improved work conditions for all as well as no job losses for Taxi Industry employees.
We are all aware of different views being expressed among the Taxi Industry structures and new formations of taxi owners about the BRT process. It is unfortunate that much confusion and misconception have been created within the Taxi Industry and Government authorities about this project over the last two-three years. In brief, the Taxi Industry in Joburg and Nationally has been divided with regard to the Taxi Industry transformation approach and particularly with the BRT concept.
Our views and opinions in this regard will be recorded in an Open Letter to the colleagues in the Taxi Industry as well as the Government which would be prepared and submitted to the media shortly.
We once again reiterate our firm position to continue with our mandate to negotiate the first BRT contract South Africa and are looking forward to pioneering the most significant transformation process in the country since 1994 and possibly one of the largest true Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment initiatives.
Thank you.
JOBURG TAXI INDUSTRY BRT PHASE 1A NEGOTITAION TEAM
For more information contact:
Darko Skrbinsek
Telephone: 082 331 8013
Email: djand@mweb.co.za
