Canaan Mdletshe

Canaan Mdletshe

The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) presented ANC president Jacob Zuma with eight cows to congratulate him on winning the leadership contest in Polokwane last December.

In turn Zuma commended the taxi organisation and taxi operators for bringing peace to the once trouble-torn industry, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.

Addressing a delegation from the NTA that visited him at his home in eNkandla, northern KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, Zuma said the black-owned industry had grown from strength to strength and was now profitable.

"You have come a long way. You have brought peace and stability to the industry. I want to commend you for that. The taxi industry is now booming and reliable because of your efforts," he said.

President of the NTA Sicelo Mabaso said the purpose of the visit was to congratulate Zuma on winning the ANC presidency.

The NTA also wished him well in his bid to become president of the country.

Mabaso said their relationship with Zuma dated back many years. He said Zuma had always been willing to listen to their problems in the taxi industry.

"He helped us when we had problems with President Thabo Mbeki, who once referred to our industry as mobile coffins.

"Also, we would like him to help us with our industry in general, not only with the recapitalisation programme.

"We feel that there is a lot that still needs to be done in our transport system," he said.

Mabaso said they would like Zuma to revisit the whole issue of recapitalisation.

"Recapitalisation does not address transport in the rural areas and some townships. Recapitalisation seems to have been designed for tourists," Mabaso said.