Why aren’t more women owning and driving taxis in South Africa?

During a recent Women's Month summit organized by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), Transport Minister Barbara Creecy highlighted the low representation of women in the minibus taxi industry. According to International Labour Organisation data, women constitute just 2% of the workforce and own 2.8% of the operational minibus taxis in South Africa.

Creecy emphasized that female drivers and owners should not merely be passengers but should hold key positions within the industry, including fleet management, mechanics, and executive roles. The minister acknowledged that most women currently employed in taxi associations are in entry-level positions, such as administrative clerks or fare collectors.

Creecy also noted that SA Taxi, an organization within Santaco, has invested in 4,382 female taxi owners, who collectively operate 5,656 taxis, creating over 10,180 jobs in the sector. The minister pointed out that fragmentation in public transport governance necessitates a new framework for the road-based transport network, which includes consolidating funding streams and integrating the minibus taxi industry into a safer, more regulated system.

This reform process comprises four main elements, such as repurposing the taxi recapitalization grant to support vehicle purchases and developing an online licensing system to streamline regulatory processes. Three pilot transport operating companies, one from each province, are currently establishing new management and investment forms to formalize and streamline the taxi industry.

Creecy proposed revising the public transport grant system to create a unified support model, aiming to formalize and right-size the taxi industry. Many women enter the taxi business through challenging circumstances, such as inheriting a route or permit from a deceased spouse or inheriting a parent's business with minimal preparation.

Creecy stressed that the Women's Desk at Santaco plays a crucial role in providing active measures like institutional support, training, mentorship, and access to finance for women in the taxi industry. She also highlighted the industry's role in combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), emphasizing that taxi ranks, routes, and vehicles serve as daily points of contact for women, children, students, workers, and vulnerable individuals.

Creecy called for zero tolerance of abuse and stressed that safety should be a fundamental human right for all individuals using public transportation.