As South Africa's only independent financier of fixed-route minibus taxis, SA Taxi is also one of the country's few certified developmental credit providers. The initiative is expected to create at least 3,000 new sustainable businesses in the next three years.
The focus is on enabling small business owners by giving them the opportunity to build up a deposit and providing them with the necessary business advice and support to efficiently structure their income as earned from driving professionally. "The ultimate goal is that once drivers have access to a vehicle, they go on to establish their own small businesses. Our focus is not just on creating jobs but rather incubating small businesses owners. This is the only way to create a multiplier effect for employment significant enough to bring about real transformation," says Ana Bonanni, business development executive at SA Taxi.
SA Taxi's decision to enter into the metered taxi sector has enabled them to also provide vehicles to those interested in working on the Uber platform. SA Taxi will work with these drivers on six month short-term contracts and provide them with access to a quality vehicle. "We are excited to be providing drivers with this opportunity to be part of the Uber platform in South Africa - opening up and enabling more job opportunities that didn't exist before," Bonanni says.
Extending its close association with Toyota SA, in the minibus taxi and bakkie industries, SA Taxi will acquire Corollas and adapt them internally with leather seating, on-board cameras and Bluetooth.
Any driver and vehicle operating on the Uber platform must meet the Uber requirements. Before gaining access to the platform drivers need to register with Uber. Drivers must have a valid PrDP and roadworthy certificate, undergo a secondary AFIS criminal background check and carry comprehensive commercial insurance.
Taxi Mart, a division of SA Taxi, will undertake all remodelling of the Toyota Corollas to meet the required standards. SA Taxi's insurance division will provide specially adapted insurance cover for the cars once they are in use on the Uber platform.
"All applicants will need to have the required permits to operate and we are confident government will be supportive in facilitating the provision of the prescribed operating permits. Our integrated internal value chain is designed specifically to reduce cost and increase revenue for our customers," Bonanni says.
