South Africa’s minibus taxi industry is undergoing a critical transformation as the Department of Transport intensifies efforts to improve safety and sustainability across the sector. The recent Select Committee briefing on 20 May 2025 revealed both significant progress and persistent challenges in regulating what has long been an essential yet chaotic component of the country’s public transport system.
Mixed Results from Recapitalisation Programme
The Taxi Recapitalisation Programme (TRP) has achieved partial success in removing unsafe vehicles from South African roads. Through voluntary surrender mechanisms, taxi owners were able to scrap non-compliant vehicles in exchange for allowances toward purchasing new, roadworthy taxis, but this option lapsed in January 2023.
As of May 2025, the department recorded over 2,350 illegally converted panel vans, with 650 vehicles successfully scrapped and owners compensated. However, approximately 1,260 illegal taxis remain operational, posing ongoing safety risks to passengers who may unknowingly board unsafe vehicles.
The Select Committee expressed serious concerns about the department’s “passive approach” to enforcement. The original scrapping deadline of 31 January 2023 has long passed, yet 1,266 illegally converted panel vans remain with non-compliant owners. The committee urged the development of robust operational plans to address this enforcement gap.
Innovation Beyond Compliance
Despite enforcement challenges, the department has launched several empowerment projects aimed at industry sustainability. These include Container Retail Solutions, Automated Fare Collection systems, the Virtual Association App called Siyahamba, and 24-Hour Service Centres across various provinces.
The most promising initiative involves converting taxis to use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as fuel. The department identified LPG as more viable than compressed natural gas due to its accessibility and effectiveness. Benefits include cost savings of up to 35% on fuel expenses, increased vehicle range, reduced emissions, and lower maintenance requirements.
Currently, only seven taxis have been converted in the pilot project, but the department plans to install 400 conversion kits as part of a national rollout. Formal LPG pumps exist at specific forecourts, with portable units being deployed to remote areas and smaller businesses.
The Path Forward
The transformation faces significant obstacles. Approximately 670 vehicles don’t qualify for recapitalisation, representing operators who may struggle to transition without additional support. The success of initiatives like LPG conversion depends on creating supportive ecosystems that include financing, training, and infrastructure development.
The industry’s evolution requires balancing enforcement with economic realities facing small-scale operators. While the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme demonstrates that voluntary compliance can work when properly incentivised, stronger enforcement mechanisms are needed to address persistent non-compliance.
The minibus taxi industry has long resisted regulation due to its informal nature. Current transformation efforts represent the most comprehensive attempt to bring order while preserving the industry’s essential transport role. Success depends on sustained political will, adequate resources, and the industry’s willingness to embrace change.
The foundations for a safer, more sustainable taxi industry are being established. Whether these efforts succeed in bringing lasting order to the chaos will ultimately depend on effectively balancing regulation with the practical needs of thousands of operators across South Africa.
References:
https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/40739/
https://pmg.org.za/files/250520PT_Branch_Presentation_to_the_Select_Committee_20_May_2025_v1.1.pptx
https://youtu.be/bhbR9Ywljpw
http://www.gasdrive.co.za/what-is-a-lpg-gas-conversion/#:~:text=A%20LPG%20gas%20conversion%20comprises,a%20more%20echo%20friendly%20environment.
https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/12/19/why-liquefied-petroleum-gas-lpg-might-be-cheaper-than-petrol-and-better-for-the-environment
https://taxirecap.co.za/project/alternative-fuel-lpg/#:~:text=Conversion%20to%20LPG%20as%20an%20alternative%20fuel&text=A%20vehicle%20converted%20to%20LPG,range%20and%20minimises%20refuelling%20downtime.
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