Mobility

With reference to the Fuel Cashback Initiative implemented in partnership with the minibus taxi industry:

1. (a)(i) When was the initiative launched and

The initiative was launched on 2 July 2025.

 (ii) why and

The Fuel Cashback Initiative was launched to support the formalisation, sustainability and economic empowerment of the minibus taxi industry. The initiative enables operators to participate in structured commercial arrangements that reduce operating costs, improve collective bargaining power and promote greater financial inclusion within the sector.
Through the initiative, participating operators receive cashback on fuel purchases, helping to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices. The initiative also advances digitisation through the use of digital payment platforms and cashless transactions, improving transparency and modernising business practices within the industry.
Importantly, by assisting operators to manage fuel-related costs, the initiative contributes towards reducing pressure for fare increases, thereby benefiting the commuters who rely on minibus taxis as their primary mode of public transport.

(b)(i) how many operators are currently benefiting from the initiative and

 As at June 2026, 104 operators are benefitting from the initiative.

(ii) what is the breakdown of these operators per region;

CATA:                                     34
Boland:                       7
Two Oceans:             5
Northerns:                  43 (engagements with regional and association leadership have happened here and we've seen the impact of this in the numbers.)
Greater Cape:          9
Eden:                          1 
Mitchells Plain:          2
CODETA:                    3

2. What is the total value of fuel cashback benefits that have been provided to participating operators since the inception of the initiative;

From October 2025 to date, participating operators have received fuel cashback benefits amounting to R66 285.89.
Over the same period, the initiative has generated a total cashback value of R155 943.71 across the broader industry value chain, benefiting operators, drivers, regional structures and Umanyano Travel Services.

As at 9 June 2026, the average fuel cashback savings generated through the initiative was R2.14 per litre, of which R1.82 per litre allocated to operators and drivers, with the balance allocated to UTS.

3. Whether his Department has any plans to expand the initiative to additional operators or regions during the 2026/27 financial year; if so, what are the relevant details?

Yes. The Department will continue to encourage the new SANTACO Western Cape leadership to support the expansion of the initiative across all regions.
To date, participation has already been secured across multiple regions, and the Department remains of the view that broader participation can only strengthen the industry’s collective purchasing power and increase the benefits available to operators.
The Department remains supportive of initiatives that assist the industry to reduce operational costs, strengthen sustainability and build commercially viable industry-owned enterprises.