Taxi Vigilantism: Guidelines for the Transport of Employees & Other Passengers

DOCRRA Email Remains Open to Report Incidents of Intimidation

Due to the number of Taxi vigilantism and intimidation incidents that have occurred over the last year, DOCRRA provided reporttaxi@docrra.co.za for the reporting of these incidents by the community.  Summary reports have already been handed over to both Col. Xulu at SAPS and ED for Community Safety, Cecil Viramuthu.

This issue appears to be raising its head again and no taxi association has the right to police the mode of transportation being used by citizens. DOCRRA is committed to addressing this situation to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

It is crucial that we report incidents of harassment, intimidation, and violence perpetrated by taxi operators, their associates or any other entity. To this end, we encourage the community to continue to report these incidents by emailing reporttaxi@docrra.co.za  with the following information:

• Date, time, and location
• Photographs or video footage
• Your name, contact details, and a description of what you saw (and if possible, number plates, individuals’ names, vehicle make and model)

DOCRRA resolved to investigate the regulations governing the transportation of passengers by all entities and disseminate this information to our community. This pertains to formal public transport operators such as taxis and ride-sharing services, various types of businesses for staff members and workers, lift club operators, and the general public.Based on our research, a summary of the most frequently asked questions follows.We have taken all reasonable steps to provide accurate information, but cannot, however, guarantee that all the information is correct, complete and/or up to date.

The KwaDukuza Public Transport Forum, comprising representatives from the South African Police Services, KDM Traffic Department, KZN Department of Transport, and Dolphin Coast Taxi Association, has compiled a comprehensive guide and best practices for transporting workers. For further detailed information, please refer to this link, courtesy of iLembe Chamber.

Our top 5 questions follow:

1. Can a company fetch and take their workers home? If not, what conditions apply?

Yes, a company can transport its workers, subject to:

• • Legal requirements regarding the vehicle, the driver, safety and insurance.
  • The passengers must be non-paying
  • Legal Compliance: Employers must adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993) and the National Land Transport Act (No. 5 of 2009), which provide guidelines for the safe transportation of employees.

2.  Can a group of workers form a lift club?

Yes, workers can form a lift club provided:

• • It is the primary purpose to provide collective mobility and not for profit.
  • Charges should only cover fuel and running costs.
  • It’s advisable to have written confirmation from the employer detailing the vehicle owner’s name, registration number, and the names and ID numbers of participating employees, and kept in the vehicle.
  • The vehicle owner should notify the relevant Provincial or Municipal Regulatory Entity in writing about the lift club’s existence.
  • If the vehicle is designed to carry 12 or more persons (including the driver), the driver must hold a Professional Driving Permit.

3. Can families arrange lift clubs to transport kids to school and back?

Yes, families can arrange lift clubs for school transportation, providing:

• • It is the primary purpose to provide collective mobility and not for profit.
  • Charges should only cover fuel and running costs.
  • Driver Compliance: The driver must have a valid license. If transporting 12 or more persons, a Professional Driving Permit is required.
  • Insurance: Ensure that the vehicle’s insurance policy covers the transportation of children in a lift club arrangement.
  • Proposed Legislation: Be aware of any new regulations requiring pupil transport vehicles to have unique branding and for operators to be licensed and registered with the provincial regulatory authority

4. Can a household transport residential staff to and from home or a designated location.  Can this include transporting of personal goods?

Yes, households can transport their residential staff, with considerations:

• • Transportation to Taxi Ranks: Households can also transport staff to and from taxi ranks without legal issues.
  • Transporting Goods: If assisting staff with transporting personal items (e.g., a bed), ensure that the vehicle is not overloaded and that items are securely fastened.

5. Can one give someone a lift standing on the side of the road, hitchhiking?

Yes, you can offer a lift to a hitchhiker, but the following needs to be considered:

• • Safety: Be cautious when picking up strangers due to potential safety risks.
  • The passengers must be non-paying
  • Insurance: Ensure your insurance policy covers carrying non-family members in your vehicle.

The requirements for all the questions listed above state:

• Vehicle Compliance: The vehicle used must be roadworthy, properly licensed, appropriately insured, and suitable for passenger transport, also taking into account the legal limit of number of passengers that can be transported in that particular vehicle.
• Driver’s License: The driver must hold a valid license appropriate for the type of vehicle and use of that particular vehicle.
• Safety Regulations: All traffic laws must be obeyed, including speed limits, seat belt usage, and child safety seat requirements (if applicable).

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