The South African National Taxi Council has taken a firm stance in support of women’s leadership during its 8th National Elective Conference, which commenced on Monday at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg.
SANTACO President Motlhabane Tsebe officially opened the two-day conference, with the first day dedicated to the election of women leaders, while the mainstream structure elections are scheduled for Tuesday.
In his opening address, Tsebe emphasised the critical role of women and the importance of gender transformation within the taxi industry.
“The future of the taxi industry is women. Women are operators, organisers, leaders, negotiators and community builders. They are part of the engine driving the nation forward. When women rise, communities rise; when they lead, industries transform; and when they are empowered, the future becomes possible,” he said.
Tsebe reiterated that the SANTACO Women structure is central to the future development of the taxi industry, while acknowledging the significant challenges many women continue to face daily.
“For many women, participation in the taxi industry has never been easy. Some enter the industry through difficult and painful circumstances following the death of their spouses or parents. They are then expected to continue running the business in an environment that is often highly competitive and not always welcoming to women,” he added.
Women delegates were encouraged not to be discouraged or intimidated from contesting leadership positions, particularly due to safety concerns.
Tsebe further urged SANTACO regions across the country to create more opportunities for women to lead as part of broader efforts to promote equal growth and development within the sector.
The President also called on council members to deliberate on practical solutions to support women in addressing challenges such as limited resources, budget constraints, safety concerns, dignity, discrimination and gender-based violence.
Concluding his address, Tsebe stressed that reforms within the taxi industry should not only be measured by revenue generation, but also by the creation of safe, inclusive and conducive working conditions for all.
