Earlier this month, as MMC for Roads and Transport, I honoured an invite by the Women’s Desk of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in Tshwane Region to commemorate Women’s Month.
The event was held at Transoranje Hall in Philip Nel Park under the theme Healing and hope for women in the taxi industry to emphasise the need for healing since many women inherit the business from their partners due to taxi violence.
The event also served to reflect on the often overlooked contributions of women in the male-dominated minibus taxi industry and as a celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women within the minibus transport industry.
The engagement further covered educational initiatives on gender-based violence, mental health awareness and justice for women within the sector, and ways to empower more women with business skills.
There remains a great need to recognise that securing peace, safety, stability and social progress and the full enjoyment of the transport sector require the active participation, equality and development of women.
Society must acknowledge women’s contribution to the strengthening of peace and security which can significantly reduce the scourge of unwarranted violence within the industry.
The City of Tshwane Roads and Transport Department has an open-door policy and I encourage the Women’s Desk to engage my office to deal with issues affecting women across the board.