The eThekwini Transport Authority, in partnership with the eThekwini Metro Taxi Council (EMTC), launched a vehicle sanitisation programme on Friday, 29 January at the Chesterville Taxi Rank.

This programme will include daily sanitisation of 5 500 minibus taxis belonging to unsubsidized operators and passenger contact tracing at five strategic ranking facilities across the City.

The launch day’s activities were led by Ward 28 Committee member Sabelo Zuma joined by eThekwini Management Taxi Council (EMTC) representatives Sifiso Mthethwa and Yusuf Khalif and ETA Senior Manager Babalwa Nyoka.

During his welcome and introduction Zuma called for all attendees to ensure that they follow Covid-19 government protocols which include social distancing, sanitising and the wearing of masks throughout the event

In his full personal protective equipment (PPE) gear and carrying a large fogger Zuma, sanitised vehicles demonstrating to industry members how the machine works.

He highlighted the importance of such interventions from government during the current pandemic. “With approximately 65 percent of Durban citizens relying on public transport makes both members of the public and public transport drivers/operators vulnerable to the virus. Thus, it is important that as government we extend support specifically to unsubsidized operators from the minibus taxi industry, to flatten the curve” he said.

Zuma then proceeded with the handing over of starter kits containing foggers, awareness stickers, sanitisers and face masks to unsubsidised taxi operators.

The yellow “No Mask- No Entry” sticker with the eThekwini Municipality and EMTC logos will not only remind commuters to wear masks, but also help them to identify vehicles that are part of this sanitisation programme.

Mthethwa from EMTC welcomed the support by the City saying, “As the minibus taxi industry we are happy and thankful for this initiative. We will work hand in hand with the ETA team on the implementation of the programme across the City” he said.

In his closing remarks Zuma said the programme would be rolled put to taxis in various ranking facilities around the City. He also urged commuters to assist the Municipality in keeping all facilities clean by not littering and to follow the Covid-19 protocols as set out by government to ensure everyone’s safety.