Minister Madikizela distributes protective materials to the taxi industry

As part of my on-going raising of awareness about hygiene on public transport, I distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the taxi industry in Mitchells Plain this morning.

The handover forms part of the allocation made to various provinces by the National Department of Transport, in line with the stipulated National Government regulations.

The National Minister or Transport Fikile Mbalula pleaded with the transport sector to work together with government and sanitise taxis and taxi ranks to fight the spread of the Coronavirus.

Today’s hand over supplements a donation of 10 000 litres of hand sanitiser that was donated by Distell. I personally received the donation in Paarl yesterday and was present during the distribution to various taxi associations

The DOT material being handed over to the industry today includes:

• 130 x 25 litres of hand sanitiser
• 4140 bottles (to decant sanitiser)
• 58 boxes of gloves (100 in each box)
• 8800 masks
• 67 x 25 litres of Germatol disinfection
• 67 snopsacks
• 54 disposal protective clothing outfits

The most important thing people need to understand is that hygiene will help us flatten the curve. Masks and gloves will be ineffective if they are not used properly.

As Government we made a commitment that we want to keep our people especially essential service workers safe. We are honouring that commitment today.

We formed this partnership with Santaco before the lockdown announcement by the President. The partnership started with Santaco providing the material to its workers and government promised to assist and provide more protective material.

We can flatten the curve only if we are working together and protecting ourselves from this killer virus.

The organized taxi industry will deliver the equipment to other associations across the province.