Gender inequality within the minibus taxi industry in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date
2021
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Abstract
Public transport is the key contributor to the economy of the Republic of South Africa. Public transport plays a key role in transporting commuters to work for them to produce goods and services as part of the gross domestic product. The aim of the study was to research and analyse the role of women in the public transport industry specifically in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. The study used a qualitative research methodology where in-depth interviews were conducted to better understand what women experience in the industry. A total of eight participants participated in the study. Furthermore, literature was reviewed from the past five years in an effort to establish what have been the recent experiences in this industry. Thematic analysis was used to determine the themes for the responses received. The research findings revealed that there are serious issues of inequality within the taxi associations. Women are not treated in the same manner as their male counterparts. Furthermore, the government-of-the-day has policies on gender equality but they are currently not implemented. Government officials that participated in the study agreed that there are challenges with the implementation of the policies supporting what the literature review had discovered. Lack of skills for women was another challenge identified. Women are not sufficiently equipped to undertake leadership roles in this industry that is male dominated. As recommendations to the challenges identified some of the suggested low hanging fruits are that the National Taxi Task Team (NTTT) recommendations should be finalised. Furthermore, there should be policies on equality in the associations by both men and women to ensure women are given equal opportunities as their male counterparts. Safety and security of women in the taxi industry should be further researched.
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Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.