Author:sharmini-naidoo

Draft Public Transport Subsidy Policy throws cat among pigeons! April 25, 2024 Against the backdrop of a high fiscal deficit and rising debt burden, it is essential that the South African government uses its existing resources effectively in the fight against poverty and inequality. So said the World Bank back in November 2014. Sharmini Naidoo notes that this statement is still valid some 10 years later. By taxing the income of the rich proportionally more than the poor, and then […]

Selling the family jewels to make ends meet… March 4, 2024 On 22 February, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his long-awaited 2024 Budget Speech. It was touted as a “budget without a plan” by political analyst and newspaper columnist Justice Malala. Godongwana was also accused of “selling the family jewels” by many political parties and, while this year’s budget didn’t provide much tax relief to taxpayers, it certainly came with a few surprises. High levels of debt servicing costs and […]

The Politics of Dancing February 8, 2024 As we all know, general elections will be held in South Africa this year. As SHARMINI NAIDOO writes, however, electioneering isn’t the only thing on the agenda for 2024. Bus and coach operators also have to consider a barrage of new regulations. Election fever is here! Shock announcements of new parties, disruptions to existing political parties, expulsions of members, and coalitions to retain and gain power are all on the agenda. The lyrics of the 80s […]

Expectations for 2024 January 16, 2024 The average new year’s resolution lasts just 3.74 months, according to the Forbes Health/One Poll survey for 2024. Only 8% of 1,000 respondents tended to stick with their goals for one month, while 22% lasted two months, another 22% lasted three months, and 13% lasted four months. So, asks SHARMINI NAIDOO, why do we do it? “The New Year serves as a cyclical marker of time during which we reevaluate and take inventory on our […]

2023: Tough on bus operators December 8, 2023 This year has not been an easy one for bus operators in South Africa. SHARMINI NAIDOO reflects on the evolution of the bus industry – and the many challenges it faces today. The first public bus – or omnibus – was launched in France in 1662. It was a system of horse-drawn carriages that operated on schedule through the streets of Paris. These rides were only available to the nobility and were […]

“Please Remit Beer, Brooms, or Stones…” November 13, 2023 Back in AD 69, Emperor Vespasian generated significant revenue by taxing the trade in urine gathered at public restrooms. No kidding! Ancient Romans valued urine for its ammonia content, but some considered this odious. SHARMINI NAIDOO says South Africans will feel the same way about certain moves by the South African government. The earliest recorded date of taxation took place in Ancient Egypt around 3000 to 2800 BC – even predating […]

To regulate, or not to regulate October 24, 2023 Questions abound when it comes to the future of the Transport Appeal Tribunal (TAT), writes SHARMINI NAIDOO. The intention of regulatory policy is to support economic growth and serve public interests. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “regulations are indispensable to the proper functioning of economies and societies – they underpin markets, protect the rights and safety of citizens, and ensure the delivery of public goods and […]

No new money… September 18, 2023 To prevent a total collapse of South Africa’s finances, the National Treasury has requested that government departments implement “fiscal consolidation measures”. SHARMINI NAIDOO reports that this translates into bigger spending cuts and the utilisation of existing funding, as “no new money” will be allocated. Speaking at the SABOA Annual Conference, Shireen Darmalingam, senior economist at Standard Bank South Africa, highlighted the deterioration in South African consumer confidence, low GDP growth, and the impact of […]

Burning buses: becoming the norm August 24, 2023 At least five people were killed in the violence accompanying the Cape Town taxi strike that began on 1 August. Individuals set fire to buses and cars, blocked roadways, destroyed property, and threw rocks. SHARMINI NAIDOO rues this situation, which has devastated the bus industry. The South African Constitution is considered to be one the most progressive in the world. According to the Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel, “The foundation of the […]

Navigating political uncertainty July 21, 2023 Policy uncertainty increases risk, garners negative investor sentiment, inhibits growth, and impedes clear decision making and forward planning. These are all critical success factors for any business. With various proposed transport policies and draft regulations up in the air, Sharmini Naidoo reveals that this year’s SABOA Conference is aptly themed “Navigating Policy Uncertainty”.  The SABOA Annual Conference is South Africa’s largest gathering of bus operators and a major highlight on the bus industry calendar. […]