Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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I am shocked that the taxi bosses were even offered R1,1 billion in Covid-19 relief by the Government, let alone that they rejected it. They are apparently demanding R20,000 per taxi per month of the lockdown - and with 200,000 taxis in SA this will total approximately R4 billion.
My problem is not that industries should not get help, but my problem is that I don’t think that the taxi business is very regulated or paying very much tax in the first place. Strangely enough, none of the write-ups on the taxi industry even refer to that at all. The taxi industry has always been the one industry in South Africa that people are terrified to challenge because we know exactly how they have sorted out disputes over routes in the past – with guns and just killing people. The taxi industry has also announced increases on taxi fares between 10% and 25% nationwide, but already many of us have seen taxi drivers flouting the rules on fewer passengers and just totally disregarding them.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Wednesday 24-Jun-20
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Tersia said:
on Wednesday 08-Jul-20 09:02 AM
And that is just quite the thing, they will always get what they demand because they are such an important organization to the people of South Africa, they are the main source of travel. No matter how they upgrade the Gautrain or bring in what-ever they feel like, people will always make use of taxi's. It's so unfair how they can get away with anything basically - but people know to just leave them be because you actually fear for your life if you just think to hoot at them because they cut in front of you.
Ruby said:
on Wednesday 08-Jul-20 07:14 AM
Government has only got themselves to be blamed for these demands from taxi drivers as they have always been a law unto themselves. The fact that the industry is not regulated means that there are no performance standards, no incentives for compliance and no accountability. Perhaps this is an opportunity for a win-win, assisting them financially during the lockdown period but starting the regulation process…it’s a bold thing to do, but who knows….
Michelle D said:
on Tuesday 07-Jul-20 05:40 PM
I can quite comfortably say that taxi drivers and taxi bosses probably do not pay their taxes. That being said they do perform an incredibly important function as they are the only means of transport for most people in South Africa. Unfortunately, as is repeated over and over in history - the people running the organization will not be the ones who suffer, it will be the millions of South Africans that have no choice but to catch an overcrowded taxi every morning and every night.
Tamaryn said:
on Tuesday 07-Jul-20 03:23 PM
I think we know that the taxi industry has always been ungovernable. I just feel that if they reap the "rewards" of being ungovernable without any repercussions, then they shouldn't be entitled to, or in fact even seeking, relief funds from tax payers.
Henrietta said:
on Tuesday 07-Jul-20 03:03 PM
I am just flabbergast that they got that relief. We were just talking about it last night and I also said that I don't even think they pay tax. What a waste of well earn money that should have gone to people who always pay tax and need the relief now. I have to agree, even on the roads people don't challenge them cause like I say the roads belong to them as they can do what they want how and when regardless of the the people in their cars or in the other car on the road.
Zindy said:
on Tuesday 07-Jul-20 02:32 PM
Ridiculous to reject that money when half of them do not even pay tax or are supposed to be operating they should be grateful the government set aside some relief especially in our country that is being crippled with this Covid.
Lourien said:
on Tuesday 07-Jul-20 02:26 PM
They are demanding for such high amounts when they are not even paying tax. There is no record of the money they make and no records of payments. The government is setting a trend, they should be very careful of what they agree to, as the taxi associations will be demanding more in future.
Bianca Taljaard said:
on Tuesday 07-Jul-20 02:19 PM
How crazy are all the demands. We don't get anything from them, they just do what they want.
Melissa van Tellingen said:
on Tuesday 07-Jul-20 09:38 AM
What a ridiculous request in times like these. People are living off R350 a month but they expect them to pay more for transport. R20 000.00 per month per taxi driver when the rest of the country needs help in surviving this pandemic? How would that be fair? Selfish!
Kathryn said:
on Wednesday 01-Jul-20 12:28 PM
An interesting debate surrounds the formalisation of the taxi industry. The minister of transport, Mabula argues that there cannot be subsidisation without formalisation and in turn you cannot have formalisation without subsidy a subsidy. I think the more regulated the taxi industry is the better.
Alexis said:
on Tuesday 30-Jun-20 02:17 PM
I know that people need to get to their destination, and be able to afford it as well. I was as well shocked at how much leeway they were given and even the offer if any funds at all. Though, they are everywhere and do provide a service regardless of the violence that comes with it. Even saw on the news feed, that they are still filling up 100% regardless of regulations.
Victoria said:
on Tuesday 30-Jun-20 11:58 AM
I can not believe that they rejected the money from Government, it is so much better to accept the money then not get anything at all. The taxi's are now just not obeying to the rules about filling their taxis to full capacity because they not getting the amount they demanding.
Helen said:
on Tuesday 30-Jun-20 10:18 AM
I am so much in agreement with your blog, Michael
I would never consider using taxi transport in this country, rather walking or bicycle if I do not have other choice.
Taxi drivers always made me scared, there is never road rules for them!
fikile said:
on Tuesday 30-Jun-20 09:18 AM
It is funny that they want so much for each taxi where else they know that they don't make that much for each taxi and they were working during the lockdown even though they didn't do the normal load but they were still working. Funny they were told to take a load of 10 people per taxi but every morning they would do a full load and even late they would do the same thing, its only during the day when the is cops everywhere then they would do 10 people per taxi.
Chante said:
on Tuesday 30-Jun-20 08:25 AM
The taxi drivers are definitely not sticking to the rules and regulations of the lockdown, they do not realise that it is all just to keep the country and its people safe. Hopefully soon they'll realise that all the rules and regulations are in place for a reason. The increase on taxi fares are actually quite high.
brumilde said:
on Tuesday 30-Jun-20 07:53 AM
These demands are insane. The country is falling apart, what about the rest of the country. The taxi's have now decided to ignore the rules of 70% capacity and surprise surprise Gauteng has overnight become the hotspot central of SA
Dasanya said:
on Monday 29-Jun-20 05:02 PM
I found it to be ridiculous that Government's offer was not accepted especially during this difficult time. We saw how heavily dependent many South Africans are on taxi's when they embarked on their one day strike to prove a point with the result that many could not get to work. Taxi's are a law unto themselves and no wonder government bends over backwards keeping this industry happy.
Claudia B said:
on Monday 29-Jun-20 02:37 PM
it's a lot of money that were offered by the Government. I do think that the taxi industries are not being regulated as it should be and i don't think they are paying tax at all.
Daniella said:
on Monday 29-Jun-20 08:49 AM
Its not logical to me in a time where majority of people are suffering in South Africa to demand money. There are people struggling to feed their family and are grateful for the R350 they receive in the relief fund. I heard on the news today that regardless of what government say they are travelling at full capacity from today.
Nikita said:
on Friday 26-Jun-20 04:55 PM
This is insane. How can they expect the average joe to live off R350 relief pay a month but expect R20 000 each themselves. Majority of these drivers no doubt are not registered with SARS and contributing to the economy in that sense. Why do they deserve more than any other hard working suffering south african.
Danielle said:
on Friday 26-Jun-20 04:45 PM
I think they are being ridiculous. lots of people are struggling at this time and now they want more. People won’t be able to afford to get to work and will unfortunately be forced to leave work simply because they cannot afford to travel. They are being very greedy
Joyce said:
on Friday 26-Jun-20 02:45 PM
I think this kind of industry gets all what it wants by force if it means killing people they do, fighting each other kill anyone around including their customers. I think Government will cooperate and give them the revised offer they want.
thembi said:
on Thursday 25-Jun-20 04:29 PM
I am not happy with this increase in fares. I already pay a lot of money for the taxi rides everyday and now it will be more
sandra said:
on Thursday 25-Jun-20 04:29 PM
I also do not believe that the taxi industries are regulated accordingly. I also believe it it incredibly unfair that people using taxis have to pay more.
Brenda Strydom said:
on Thursday 25-Jun-20 03:56 PM
I cannot believe the amount that they demand.They are so greedy to ask for this kind of amount.Everyone is struggling not just them.Rather give the money to poor people that really have nothing.
Dune said:
on Thursday 25-Jun-20 03:05 PM
They can demand but the majority do not pay tax? They have also increased their fairs with 175% if I recall it correctly. I do feel sorry for the commuters using taxis, they do not have any other means of getting to work, and over and above the price increase they still do not comply with the regulations.
Bianca Niemann said:
on Thursday 25-Jun-20 12:54 PM
The amount that they demand is absolutely ridiculous and unrealistic, especially from an industry that barely contributes toward tax. And yet they get away with everything because they resort to violence. They need to be better regulated and somehow be held accountable when they do decide to use violence to get what they want.
Natasha said:
on Thursday 25-Jun-20 09:59 AM
This is ridiculous, they just want to own the roads and do what they want and now they even want more money as well. They are probably the ones that causes the most accidents because they drive like hooligans killing people not having a care in life,but now they want money from the Government to do what exactly? And its not like the obey the rules of the road.
Nicolene said:
on Thursday 25-Jun-20 09:24 AM
I cannot believe that they rejected it. What more do they want? I don't even think they pay tax. It's not going to help to argue with them because as you said they will probably sort it out with guns and killing people. They are so greedy. They want Covid-19 relief, but they flouting the rules.
Prishani said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 05:00 PM
I heard an interview on the radio, where they interviewed a passenger in a taxi who said that many taxis are not complying with the rules in terms of the regulations regarding the lock down. I don't think it is fair to ask for such a huge amount when the basic rules of transportation during the lockdown aren't even being followed. I also think the unnecessary pressure and stress being placed on commuters is extremely unfair.
Ziyanda said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 01:25 PM
All I can say is they are just being greedy and selfish as always.
Kendall said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 01:02 PM
It is terrible that they are increasing their taxi fares as many of the persons making use of the taxi services are low income earners. This is going to drastically affect their standard of living.It is true people are reluctant to challenge them as they resort to violence as a way of solving disputes. As a result, taxi associations and drivers simply do as they please. It has almost become acceptable when the taxi's disobey the rules of the road because that is what is to be expected.
Mathilda said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 12:55 PM
So many companies need business rescue, so many people lost their jobs and here the taxi association is turning down the initial offer?
The taxi's will not even have the number of passengers they had before, because so many people lost their jobs.
So most of them will not even need to operate?
Angelique said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 12:50 PM
The taxi industry holds our government at ransom honestly. No need to pay tax, no need to be regulated, no need for licence vehicles etc. Most people applying for UIF are only getting R350 and even then there are stringent requirements to qualify. The taxi industry wants more equivalent to R20 000 per taxi per month of lockdown - is this a joke?
Courtney said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 11:06 AM
Never driven in a Taxi before only seen how many times they almost made huge accidents. If they expect that R20 000.00 shouldn't they be trustworthy then?
In fact, they're more danger then good.
Colleen said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 10:01 AM
If we keep entertaining a culture of demand without reason and then giving into the demand when violence ensues we continue to grow a culture of lawlessness in our country.
Melissa said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 09:59 AM
The taxi's just do want they want to anyways, they have put so many people's lives in danger, because they think the roads belongs to them and then they want R4 billion. This is absurd. Everyone is struggling, rather give that money to the poor that really needs it
Ashleigh said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 09:17 AM
The Taxi Association has taken so much revenue away from many other public transport industries which no one thinks of. On top of this, they are growing and their demands will continue to grow. It seems like they are starting to take over this country with their lawless attitudes.
Roxanne said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 09:17 AM
I think it is disgusting that they want so much, lets face it they were still running during the lock down, yes they weren't at full capacity but they still had an income, there are so many businesses not getting an income and no relief. It is utterly disgusting
Melandre' said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 09:01 AM
Taxi's have and will always do as they wish, I personally regard them as lawless, as I have never come across a taxi driver that obeys the rules of the road. I definitely agree that they should be regulated and I feel for the people that need to use taxi's because of the increase, not only is their safety at risk when they do use a taxi but with the harsh impact the virus has had on our economy, most people have suffered income loss and salary cuts and therefore cannot afford a 10 to 20% fare increase
Megan said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 08:50 AM
I agree with Clare, it is very unsafe for passengers taking taxi's currently and by the tariffs increasing how would anything get better. People have taken pay cuts during this time so how will people cope?
Bronwyn said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 08:50 AM
20 000 is reasonable, as this would then stop the Taxi fair increase, at the moment with Taxi's are only loading 7 passengers which then means they are not bringing in enough money at the end of the month to pay their drivers and pay a monthly installment at the end of the month.
Patrick Sedutla said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 08:41 AM
I agree with you, the taxi industry is not regulated and they do as they wish. They should on a serious note be regulated and I also agree that they must be helped. Government is loosing a lot of tax on them.
Jessica said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 08:39 AM
I don't understand why they asking since they were allowed to be operational during the whole lock down. So this makes no sense to me at all.
Clare said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 08:30 AM
This is ridiculous, really people are all battling not only taxi drivers. I fee bad for the people that need to use taxi's because you pay so much and then you still put your life at risk because lets face it, taxi's take chances on the road regardless of how many people are in their van.
Tayla said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 08:17 AM
I think it is very unfair of them to put the prices up on fares, some people have salary cuts and now have to pay more to get to work with less money.
david said:
on Wednesday 24-Jun-20 07:53 AM
and in Tshwane, the councilors all gave themselves an increase, but the city manager got the best one - his was 48%.
why shouldn't the taxi bosses also get some free money?
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
