Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says a once-off payment of around R5,000 per taxi will be paid out. A special relief grant has been allocated to the taxi industry. Mbalula says only registered taxis will be considered. The relief will accommodate drivers, owners, rand managers and marshals. The conditions set down by government include the following.

The taxi operations must be formally registered as a business entity; The registered business must have a business banking account into which the relief allowance will be paid into;

These businesses must be registered for Income Tax and other applicable taxes related to running a business in South Africa. The registration process also includes registration of employee(s) with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), the Compensation Commission and for the Skills Development Levy; and

They must be in possession of a valid Operating License or a receipt as proof of application for an operating licence. Such receipts must have been issued before 28 February 2020.Meanwhile, Mbalula says the taxi industry has further requested that the loading capacity be increased from 70-percent to 100-percent.

It says this will be with all passengers wearing masks and with regular sanitisation of vehicles after each journey as mitigation measures. Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999 from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to FridayHelp protect your loved ones by sharing this official South African government COVID-19 service with your family, friends and community. Send HI to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp.

The NICD has another Clinician Hotline to improve #COVID19 communication and support for healthcare providers. The Clinician Hotline is 0800 11 1131, operating 24 hrs. The Public Hotline is 0800 029 999 also operating 24hrs.