Many South Africans rely heavily on the minibus taxi industry for urban and rural transit. Thus, the minibus taxi industry is considered a cornerstone of the transit sector. It provides necessary mobility for millions of people, with more than 50% of the Western Cape’s population alone using taxis. This enables the industry to generate a significant income for the industry and employment opportunities.

 However, the minibus taxi industry has yet to reach its full potential. The general perception of the industry still leans towards its informal nature. 

To realise its full potential, by developing an empowered, aligned, and innovative industry,  the minibus taxi industry must engage in business development opportunities and build capacity through training programmes and initiatives. These initiatives may boost operational efficiency, increase service quality and formalisation, and assure long-term viability.

Business development within the minibus taxi space refers to the focus on initiatives that enhance growth and profitability. This can include market expansion, service diversification, and brand development. 

These initiatives are characterised differently:

• Market expansion initiative focuses on finding new routes and forming partnerships to boost passenger ridership and revenue. 
• Service diversification encompasses extra services not provided by the minibus taxi sector, such as delivery, business customer shuttle services, and tourism-related transportation services. 
• Brand development aims to establish a strong brand identity that engages passengers and cultivates trust and loyalty.

Capacity building entails strengthening individuals’ skills, knowledge, and resources within the minibus taxi industry. It encompasses training, development, and leadership coaching and mentoring. The training and development initiatives aim to equip minibus taxi drivers, operators, and minibus taxi associations to support staff with essential skills in areas including conflict management, adherence to safety regulations, management and administration, customer care service, and financial management. On the other hand, the leadership coaching initiative focuses on enhancing the operational capabilities of minibus taxi leaders, enabling them to effectively advocate for their members and engage with stakeholders.

By working with the minibus taxi industry and relevant stakeholders to identify the pressing needs and objectives, @RACS has been able to create opportunities for corporate, government, and industry partners to design and develop innovative solutions that prioritise safety, accessibility, and affordability for all stakeholders. Our capacity-building strategy takes a holistic approach, including the mentioned business elements, supported by relationship-building and conflict-resolution skills to manage and sustain win-win outcomes. Equipping the industry and other clients with essential skills and business tools enables them to steadily transition with the times and adopt best business practices.

Creating value through opportunities for sustainable business partnerships and skills development are integral to our approach to harnessing change to drive long-term transformation. 

Should you wish to become a change partner and sustain your business growth through bespoke programmes designed to help grow business resources and create opportunities, contact us now for more at info@racs.org.za or +27 21 823 7668.