The Western Cape Government (WCG) has taken a bold step towards revolutionising the minibus taxi industry with the launch of the Mini-bus Taxi (MBT) Executive Leadership Programme.
Unveiled by Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB), this pioneering initiative aims to nurture ethical, innovative, and future-ready leaders in an industry critical to South Africa’s transport and economy.
Spanning six months, the programme promises to equip participants with essential tools to strengthen collaboration, enhance professionalism and drive meaningful transformation throughout the sector.
Delivered in partnership with the UCT GSB, the curriculum seamlessly integrates academic learning with practical, community-focused projects, zeroing in on themes of self-leadership, collaboration and innovation.
At the launch, Sileku underscored the necessity for the taxi industry to adapt in today’s technology-driven environment. ‘The taxi industry must not be left behind,’ he asserted, emphasising that ‘transformation is no longer optional; it is essential for the survival and growth of this critical industry.’
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His remarks were particularly poignant in light of recent industry upheavals, including the temporary closure of routes and lanes in areas such as Khayelitsha and Mfuleni, which challenged the sector’s stability.
‘The extraordinary measures we were forced to take demanded courage,’ Sileku reflected on these events.
‘It was a chance to show what true leadership looks like, putting people before pride and peace before politics. The opportunity to rebuild trust and institutionalise peace still stands before us.’
Further cementing this vision for leadership transformation, Craig Arendse, CEO of Resolve and Change Systems (RACS), affirmed that future leadership in the taxi industry must be characterised by credibility and business discipline.
‘We need leaders with strong business acumen, something that’s often missing in the industry. The future requires leadership with credibility and courage,’ he stated.
Executive Chairman of Kidrogen, Andile Peters, supported this sentiment, calling for a new calibre of leaders who possess ethical principles and act with integrity. ‘We need a different dimension of leaders to take this sector forward,’ Peters affirmed, highlighting the urgent demand for change in leadership styles within the industry.
Head of Executive Education at the UCT GSB, expressed enthusiasm for the programme’s tailored design, stating, ‘It is specifically for the taxi industry, with a focus on practical leadership and innovation. We look forward to seeing participants become truly transformative leaders.’
Programme participant Alison Portland added her perspective, reflecting on the personal implications of the endeavour: ‘This programme will provide me with the tools and knowledge to enhance my problem-solving abilities and empower me to take on greater responsibilities as a leader.’
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Picture: WCG
