Taxi industry set for R1bn in Covid-19 relief funding
The government has set aside R1.1 billion to help the taxi industry as it battles to recover from the Covid-19 lockdown.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula made the announcement on Friday.
"We have agreed to provide relief to the industry in the form of a once-off ex gratia payment to taxi operators. It should be emphasised that this is not compensation for loss of revenue,” he said.
Taxi operators will have to register as formal business entities with an income tax number and a business bank account to qualify for the once-off payment of R5000 per vehicle.
Mbalula said part of the aim of the relief fund is to formalise the taxi industry.
He admitted that the taxi industry has rejected the package, demanding R20 000 per taxi every month.
This was however rejected by government.