Tranport minister Mbalula on mission to encourage taxi oparators to help apply for TRF

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula embarked on a roadshow with taxi associations, encouraging operators in the province to apply for the Covid-19 Taxi Relief Fund (TRF) scheme, which has created confusion and uncertainty between taxi owners and their drivers.

The scheme was introduced by the Department of Transport in collaboration with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) to help lessen the impact of the Covid19 pandemic on the taxi industry. R1 billion was allocated to TRF to compensate taxi operators, drivers, queue marshals and staff working at the offices of the taxi associations.

The application process began in January, with the window period remaining open until midnight on February 28.

Mbalula said he noticed lack of number of operators yet to apply with skepticism amongst them. He said hehe will get the city involved and planned to meet with mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to raise concerns taxi operators within the city have.

SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) provincial chairperson Nazeem Abdurahman said they were well satisfied with the new approach with regard to the TRF.