TAXI MAGAZINE 2019 EASTER EDITION

Road Safety Tips For Easter 2019

KENNY KUNENE Says his new taxi app is 40% cheaper than Uber & Bolt

In support of:

Published by:

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2019 ELECTIONS

LET’S GROW SOUTH AFRICA TOGETHER

30 46

8TH OF MAY 2019 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS

by President Cyril Ramaphosa

VOTE ANC X #GrowSouthAfrica #ThumaMina www.voteanc.org.za

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A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL

CONTENTS 7

19

39

TAXI ADVICE

42-43 SAVING & INVESTMENTS

BLADE NZIMANDE

5

MEGA TAXI EXPO

12-17

TAXIFY TO BOLT

18

ROAD SAFETY

20-21

FUEL PRICE HIKE

22-23

BUYER’S GUIDE

24-25

EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS

29

HEALTH ADVICE

36-37

LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER

40 40

Easter Campaign Foreword by

the Minister of Transport Dr.

Blade Nzimande "The Department of Transport took the initiative to get the relevant stakeholders to resolve the matter as a labour dispute because this had unfairly impacted on the flow of transport on our highways," said Minister Nzimande.

Transport Minister condemns the closure of the N3 Highway by some truck drivers Department of Transport

The Department of Transport wish to state that the dispute between truck drivers and their employers is not a matter for our department, but is a collective bargaining matter that must be negotiated and resolved at the relevant Collective Bargaining Council.

The Department of Labour was task to conduct unannounced inspections to unscrupulous employers disregarding employment laws and the law enforcement officers were tasked to identify routes with high volumes of cross border truck movement and conduct multi-disciplinary We urge the law enforcement agencies to ensure that road block operations. those who break the law and disrupt the flow of traffic are apprehended and for the trucks to be impounded. "We have also consistently impressed on the associations representing workers in a number of meetings we have "It is disingenuous for some truck drivers to block the held, for them to take up their grievances to the appropriate road or engage in any protest whist there are current bargaining chamber and not block our highways. Similarly, we have met and urged employers to work towards engagements between government and the resolving the grievances of truck drivers speedily, whose foundations, said Minister Nzimande. major complaint is the employment of foreign nationals in the trucking industry, said Minister Nzimande.

Minister Nzimande further said that by blocking the N3 these truck drivers not only block the traffic flow Minister Nzimande further said that whilst we have done but also sabotage the economy of the country. all to assist towards the resolution of this dispute, this matter must be dealt with not as a transport issue but as Since the resolution of the meeting Minister Nzimande held on January 11, 2019, the Department a labour dispute. of Transport held follow-up meetings with the Minister Nzimande urge all affected parties to work leadership of the All Truck Drivers Foundation and towards a speedy resolution of this matter and further the National Truck Drivers Foundation to discuss urge our sister Department to take the lead as agreed. challenges facing South African truck drivers.

The Minister of Transport strongly condemns the blockade of the Cliffdale part of the N3 highway between Pietermaritzburg and Durban by some truck drivers on Sunday 24 March 2019.

Subsequent to these meetings, an interdepartmental team comprising of the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Labour, the Bargaining Council held its meetings to further process the issues as raised by the trucking foundations.

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2019 © Uzalo Media (Pty) Limited TAXI MAGAZINE is copyright under Uzalo Media. In terms of copyright Act 98 of 1978 no part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Publisher.

DISCLAIMER This publication is compiled through the use of provided information provide by interested parties, providers and advertisers.

The information is offered with the explicit condition and understanding that the accuracy of such information is not guaranteed in anyway and that any decision based on the information should be confirmed at its source. The publisher, nor its employees, service providers accept any responsibility for any loss or damage caused in whichever way as result of incorrect information provided in this publication.

Anyone using the information provided by this publication, does so at their own risk, and by using such information agrees to indemnify Taxi Magazine from any and all liability, loss, injury, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such use.

No Implied Endorsement Taxi Magazine does not endorse or recommend any article, product, service or information found within said articles. The views and opinions of the authors who have submitted articles to Taxi Magazine belong to them alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Taxi Magazine or its staff.

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FRONT ROW

KENNY KUNENE A total of 100 Yookoo drivers are currently registered on the app, he says.

Kunene has a habit of attracting publicity around his art collection, his approach to sexually explicit material, and his choice of platters of sushi, as well as his up-and-down finances, especially after the demise of his high-end nightclub ZAR. He spent several years in prison for running a Ponzi scheme.

Kenny Kuene hopes his innovation will open the market for future innovations to disrupt international services in South Africa.

"Drivers don't need to have their own cars," says Kunene. Instead Yookoo has partnered with car rental services that can provide vehicles to anyone with a valid driver's licence, and who has been through Yookoo's training.

Existing Uber and Bolt drivers can also register.

Kenny Kunene says his new taxi app is 40% cheaper than Uber and Bolt Kenny Kunene's new ehailing app, Yookoo Rides, is 40% cheaper than its international Counterparts Controversial businessman Kenny Kunene says his new Yookoo Rides app is 40% cheaper than Uber and Bolt (formerly Taxify).Yookoo Rides was finally launched officially last month, though it is only available in Gauteng for now.Drivers don't need to have their own cars, Kunene says.

Controversial businessman Kenny Kunene has launched his the long-promised South African ehailing app Yookoo Rides – and he says it is going to give Uber and Bolt (formerly Taxify) a run for their money.

"With the increase of the petrol price, we are coming in at the right time," he tells Business Insider.

Kunene said the app was conceptualised in 2015, developed in 2017, tested last year, and is now live – in Gauteng. Kunene is still looking for money to expand the service to other provinces.

The service is only available in Gauteng for now.

Kunene is looking to raise more money to expand the service into other provinces, and eventually 7 across the continent.

Kunene added that he wasn't worried about various turf wars between meter-taxis and ehailing service providers.

"The war is over," he says. "We haven't heard of any attacks lately so it's not a problem." He went on to say that meter taxi drivers will have to get with the programme as the industry becomes more digital.

Users of the Yookoo Rides app will pay 40% less than they would on Uber and Bolt, Kunene claims, though testing by Business Insider showed the discounts to range between 20% and 35%.

For frequent users, the app comes equipped with a wallet feature where they can load money for future rides.

Users are also able to calculate how much their monthly commute will cost and store that amount in the wallet, so that the likes of parents who wish to use it to transport kids to and from school can load the right amount.

"We are forever consumers of foreign services and it about time that we are part of the technology revolution and evolution," Kunene tell Business Insider. "We are not an IT company, we are a smart technology company. We will be introducing new technologies in the future that will hopefully expand to Africa and the world.".

NTA INITIATIVE

Taxi industry changing for the better One more problem that President Masitsa said it negatively aects the taxi industry and its name, is the abuse of women and children in taxis

National Taxi Alliance (NTA) executive committee.

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TAXI chairmen, drivers and associations met at Kibler Park Recreation Center to discuss groundbreaking developments in the taxi industry on July 10. The meeting was called by The National Taxi Alliance (NTA).

It was a robust engagement where matters affecting the industry were tackled head on. Among other issues discussed on the day were the recent taxi violence in Soweto and the fi nancing of the taxis by the alliance.

President of the NTA, FrancisMasitsa, opened the meeting by confirming that peace has left the taxi industry, especially in Soweto. To date, law enforcement agencies are investigating at least 13 cases of murder and other cases of attempted murder, assault, damage to property and intimidation involving over 30 suspects and victims.

Francis Masitsa, President

“I am making a humble plea to stop this violence.

Peace to you. Let the guns stop blazing. How many more men, women and children must be lost? My instruction to the leadership of Nancefi eld-Dube West Taxi Association (Nanduwe) and Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) is to be locked in one room with NTA and they must not leave without any resolution.

Reverend Langa Mthwazi, Chaplain

“This is not how to grow and develop South Africa. This is not how to grow and defend the taxi industry because instead, we are inviting the enemy to come in through the back door. I, therefore, call each and every one of you to be an agent of peace,” he added.

Kenny Masemola, National Coordinator

Alpheus Mlalazi, General Secretary

“We urge the taxi owners to be controlled and disciplined. If you stick with us, no taxi will be repossessed.

Masitsa also said that the state of the taxi industry in the country was disturbing, but the NTA had a plan.

People are asking whether we will succeed. I said – yes, we will succeed. “This month we are digging and putting in the seed that will grow. Stick to the plan. We will fi nance our own vehicles,” Masitsa said.

He revealed that the national taxi strike that was supposed to be held on July 12, was disingenuous. On the state of the taxi industry, Masitsa said the taxi recapitalisation project that the government introduced was disastrous for the industry. “They took our Siyaya taxis and brought China and Russian-made taxis.

Masitsa also addressed the problem, which negatively affects the taxi industry, of the abuse of women and children in taxis. “We told the NTA we will be vetting every taxi driver.

We want to know the address of the driver, get a copy of a valid ID, driver’s and PDP licences. We want our passengers to be safe.” He continued to say they will be using technology to identify taxis and drivers involved in crimes.

“We told them that the prize of the new taxis will sky-rocket and will be unaffordable but the then Minister of Trade and Industry, Alec Erwin, said we will be forced to buy these taxis. The government “The taxi industry is not a fortress for criminals. had a relationship with these countries and that Anybody who rapes or murders one of our passengers should be jailed forever. Lastly, I want is why they wanted us to buy those taxis.” to reiterate: Phansi Ngezibhamu (Let’s put our He continued: “Within the NTA you have a promise. We guns down).” say - not some day or any other day, but today - we will help the taxi industry to finance itself. We have an economic transformation.”

The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) is a South African group of affiliated independent national, provincial, regional and primary taxi associations. The primary objectives, for which the NTA was established, are to promote and defend the interests of its members and, on an ongoing basis, to articulate its members’ hopes and aspirations, economically and socially.

He told the attendees of the meeting the banks don’t want to finance the taxi owners and will charge them over 25 percent interest. “Because you cannot meet these exorbitant bank charges, we are saying to you today that we are taking over.”

He said that in 2006 the scrap allowance was R50 000 and it is now R87 000; however, the Siyaya taxi cost R130 000 then and the Quantum will now cost R400 000. “That is almost a 237 percent increase. “We say it is unaffordable. The most critical thing with NTA is that no application will be refused.

They can be contacted on 011 331 9706/5894 or nta@nationaltaxialliance.com.

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TAXI REPAIR by Loyiso Ngavu

What do you choose when your taxi needs a fix In the auto world, few things are agreed upon. Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to a particular taxi design, engine size or fuel economy. But there’s another topic that seems to get everyone riled up. It’s the subject of choosing taxi parts when they need a replacement. These fixes are inevitable – they’ll happen sooner or later, and it’s important for you to know what is the right kind of part when the time comes. But that’s where the problem lies. If you know the time to replace a certain part is around the corner, deciding on what you’ll swap it with can turn into a dilemma.

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A Catalogue of Taxi Parts Generally speaking, there are three types of auto parts: genuine, OEM and aftermarket parts. There are also other kinds, including rebuilt, refurbished and used parts. There’s a good chance you’ve heard these distinctions before. If you haven’t or need clarification on them, you’ll find more detailed explanations below.

Genuine parts Genuine taxi parts are the original components installed in your taxi when it was brand new. They are typically the most expensive of all parts, giving many people the impression that they are superior. This isn’t always true (we’ll elaborate on this later). Another thing to keep in mind is that genuine parts, although labelled as a product from your taxi’s manufacturer (you’ll find the logo on the box), are actually made by another company.

Age of your vehicle The age of your taxi is one of the main factors that determine what type of parts will go back into your taxi. For this very reason, mechanics and dealerships will recommend certain components, based on whether your car is new or not. If you’re driving a brand new car, it makes sense to go for a genuine part since your vehicle is most likely under warranty. A car that’s more than 3 or 4 years old will benefit greatly from an OEM or aftermarket part. You can also use rebuilt or refurbished parts on a car that has passed its warranty age.

OEM parts The term OEM is an acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM parts are basically built on the same line as genuine parts, and have the auto maker’s stamp of approval. Many argue that these parts are the better buy since they cost less than genuine parts.

Aftermarket parts

Type of part (that needs replacement)

These kind of parts are made by another company besides the original maker. Companies who make aftermarket parts purchase the rights to produce parts for other car brands.

They may look a bit different from genuine or OEM parts, but they still fit and perform as if they were the original thing.

Choosing a particular part also depends on what you’re replacing. Common sense would tell you to rely on the most sturdy parts for big fixes (think transmission, engine parts etc). Genuine, OEM and even aftermarket parts are the best choices when dealing with major replacements.

For small items, refurbished or rebuilt items can work as good substitutes. Used parts are acceptable too, but you have to realize that they’re not good for certain tasks. As mentioned earlier, used parts aren’t the greatest for critical components involving your vehicle’s performance, safety and/or efficiency. More wear and tear could make them a little less reliable.

Rebuilt parts At its core, a rebuilt auto part is basically a used part that was fully dismantled and refitted with new components.

Afterwards, the part is tested to guarantee that it works as well as a new one. These parts typically perform just as well as newer components and in most cases, last just as long.

Price & Value

Refurbished parts

The amount of money you have to spend is probably the biggest factor that will determine what parts you pick.

Ultimately, it’s about value. There’s no doubt in mind that you want to pay a reasonable price for a reliable replacement.

A genuine part is almost always reliable, but you might pay more than you need to (when compared to OEM or aftermarket parts). Used, rebuilt and refurbished parts may come at far lower costs, and they are worth spending on if the fix isn’t critical. OEM and aftermarket parts are almost always on par with genuine parts for reliability (sometimes better), without the high costs. Again, the nature of your fix and the age of your car will determine what part you choose in addition to its price.

Refurbished parts differ from rebuilt parts in how they’re treated before use. Typically, they’re used parts that aren’t dismantled, but rather, cleaned and slightly modified.

These minor fixings may include things like nuts, bolts and gaskets. The one shortcoming of these parts, is that they are likely to have a degree of wear and tear on them.

Used parts Also labelled as “recycled”, used parts are often a cheaper alternative to the parts listed above. They are great when replacing taxi components that generally don’t break down too fast. That includes things like door trims, handles and mouldings. With that said, they’re not suitable for all replacements. It’s wise to stay away from used parts when replacing things that are related to safety or performance issues.

The Verdict? Open to Circumstance Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when choosing a type of part. It’s all about choosing a component that will provide your car with ideal performance, while saving you money at the same time. Don’t fall for the myths that genuine parts are the only reliable option. Also, recognize when used or refurbished parts will not be the best option for your vehicle. By taking these factors into consideration,

Narrowing Your Options?

So as you can see above, there are six options. That probably doesn’t make things much easier for you, but at least you’re not confined to making one or two choices. However, there are some deciding factors that will make it easier for you to choose the right type of part for your vehicle.

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REST IN PEACE TAXIFY

SAY HELLO BOLT

Taxify, the ride-hailing platform, was on Thursday rebranded in SA as Bolt, after five years in the local market.

Bolt currently provides its services in six African countries, the company said in a statement. It has plans to expand its offering in SA during the course of 2019.

The company said Bolt users will not need to take any action as the app will update automatically.

Taxify had been expanding to ensure operations in most major SA cities, most recently being launched in East London and Polokwane at the end of October.

Last August, the Sunday Times reported that with South Africans increasingly paying more at the pumps, some were employing innovative methods to tackle their burgeoning fuel costs - moving closer to their workplaces, carpooling or ditching their cars for ride-hailing services such as Uber and Taxify.

Reuters reported last month that mobility services provided by the vehicle tech firms had prompted Daimler and BMW to launch a joint ride-hailing and parking business with pay-per-minute rates, amongst other offerings.

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UBER

Uber and Taxify do not plan on increasing prices in South Africa following the petrol hike.

The price of petrol increased by 74c on Wednesday.Uber last increased prices in December, and Taxify in June.

South Africa's two largest e-hailing platforms Uber and Taxify - which represent over 90% of the local market - do not plan on increasing prices.

He said the current increase to R14.82 per litre petrol is "significantly lower" than the R15,54 per litre it was in June 2018 when Taxify last raised prices.

"The new petrol price is also significantly lower than the petrol price peak of R16.85 in October and November 2018."

Taylor said their innovative rewards programme also gives drivers 25c back per litre of fuel purchased at Shell petrol stations.

This despite a 74c petrol price increase to R14.82 per litre on Wednesday - the highest petrol price increase in three months.

Uber said it shares the concerns of drivers and riders that a petrol price increase might result in lower income for drivers who have to pay for the fuel.

It last increased prices in Decemberwhen fuel prices dropped by R1.84. "[We] are always doing our best to find solutions that will benefit both [drivers and riders]," Uber told Business Insider. "We are not currently adjusting fares."

Business Insider South Africa previously reported that South African Uber drivers earn a smaller percentage per trip than Taxify drivers.

For every trip, Taxify takes 15% of the fee charged via its platform compared to Uber which takes a standard service fee of 25% per trip booked.

That is a R1,000 difference in earnings for every R10,000 worth of trips.

Gareth Taylor, nationwide manager for Taxify, said they constantly monitor local market conditions to ensure that drivers remain self-sustaining.

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Road Safety Tips For Easter 2019

1 Obey the rules of the road and carry your

ers on and pedestrians alongside the road and keep well clear of them.

driver’s licence with you.

2 Plan the route to your holiday destination and 10 Be visible – drive with your lights on!! allow enough time to reach the destination - tak11 Headlights should be dipped well before an ing into account many road works and delays approaching vehicle is within the range of the along the route! main beam.

3 Check that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure. All lights and indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, exhaust system and tyres should be carefully examind for faults.

4 Do not overload the vehicle.

12 Always wear your seatbelt and check to see that everyone in the car is wearing theirs.

13 Drive defensively with a focus on safety and respect towards all road users.

14 Stay within the speed limit at all times.

5 Try to avoid driving after dark if possible.

15 Only overtake when it is absolutely safe to

6 Have a good rest before you embark on your journey.

do so. When in doubt –Don’t!

16 Avoid distractions while driving – leave the

7 Take safety breaks/ rest stops every 2 hours or 200km

cellular phone alone –Remain focused and alert at all times!

8 Never drink and drive!!

17 Maintain at least a 2-second following

9 Try to recognise potentially dangerous driv20

distance - this distance should be increased at night, in foggy or rainy conditions and when the road is wet.

OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD AND ARRIVE ALIVE DURING EASTER

making a difference

follow us on twitter@_ArriveAlive

ARRIVE ALIVE www.arrivealive.co.za

18 Expect others not to be as obedient to the

20 Be alert to changing road and weather

law as yourself and think for the other road user as well!

conditions.

19 Be courteous towards fellow road users keep your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate.

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REPORT BAD DRIVING & ROAD CONDITIONS

0861 400 800

FUEL PRICE HIKE

Fuel price hike: Tough times ahead With a steep fuel price hike on the cards against the backdrop of the current economic crunch‚ business rights organisation AfriBusiness has warned of tough times ahead.

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The organisation‚ with more than 12‚000 member-businesses‚ said a 67 cents per litre increase in the price of petrol and a 44c/l rise in the price of diesel will be felt across businesses and SA will feel the pinch.

CEO Piet le Roux said the increase‚ the fourth since February‚ naturally affects the cost of transportation and commuting‚ adding that prices of food‚ goods‚ services and agriculture are determined by the cost of fuel.

“Fuel‚ like electricity‚ affects all businesses and adds to cost base. It feeds to the cost structure of the economy‚” he said.

Le Roux said the state of the country’s economy was a real cause for concern‚ adding it was a pity consumers and business had no control of the global economic and the country’s political direction.

He however said if there was one thing that SA could do was to project political stability and certainty as the value of the rand reacted to political developments.

“Though the value of the rand is affected by the movements in the economic sector‚ it also tends to react to political

developments and the weakening rand impacts on imports and other economic activities‚” he said.

The National Taxi Alliance has written to transport Minister Joe Maswanganye requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the hefty fuel price hike.

The organisation’s secretary general‚ Alpheus Mlalazi‚ said they could not raise taxi fares in the wake of the fuel cost hike as they were transporting poor people.

He said if they increased fares‚ these would be higher than those charged by trains and buses‚ which are subsidised by the state.

“Raising taxi fares for us does not make business sense.

Already the taxi industry is charging charity fares but we are not sponsored by the state. If we increase‚ commuters will simply go to our subsidised competitors‚ who are charging market-related fares‚” Mlalazi said.

He said they wanted Maswanganye to pronounce on their demand for a subsidy or face the industry in the streets or in court.

SAVE FUEL

Best ways to save on fuel consumption Whoa! Slow the pace The faster you drive the more fuel you use - it's as simple as that. Sticking to the speed limit is not only the most important rule when it comes to road safety but will also save you a wad of cash in your back pocket.

Refrain from revving Revving off into the distance might look super cool on Top Gear, but it isn't the answer to economic fuel consumption or your safety. If your car is an automatic, use moderate acceleration so that the transmission shifts into higher gears.

Gear shift drivers should shift down before accelerating. If you accelerate and need to put on the breaks straight away, you are wasting precious fuel.

Hang back with the big guys In serious bumper to bumper traffic jams the pace seems to slow down and then pick up again while more heavy duty vehicles, especially trucks, seem to hang back and take their time driving along at an easy pace. There is a reason why they do this. A steady pace and hanging back keeps gear shifting to a bare minimum making travelling from point A to point B a far more economical journey. It takes less fuel to keep a car moving than it does to get it going at an increasing rate.

Consider an upgrade While new wheels and tyres can improve handling, they create more rolling resistance and increase the amount of fuel used (if they are wider than the stock tyres). If you're looking to upgrade your wheels, tyres and rims then do yourself a great favour and keep the old ones if they are in a reasonably good condition. The stock tyres are best for longer road trips giving you a smoother ride and remains one of the best ways to save petrol.

Make smaller (but wiser) choices If you’re in the market for a new vehicle then it’s a good time to look at how much car you actually need. A basic rule of thumb to keep in mind and consider when making

a good time to consider buying a hybrid which saves even more fuel, making it a fuel-efficient option. There are more and more emerging choices with regards to Hybrid vehicles, so if you don’t like the one, you might very well like another with options ranging between the Honda CR-Z and a range of Prius models. Driving smaller cars remains one of the best ways to save fuel.

Pure pressure Keeping an eye on your vehicle's tyre pressure is a good idea if you’re looking to gain as much mileage from your tank as you possibly can. Tyres lose air at approximately one psi every month and one pound per-square-inch (psi) for every 10 degree drop in temperature. Tyres with less pressure than they require create more rolling resistance, meaning you will need to use more fuel to keep the car moving. Purchase a reliable tyre gauge no less than once a month. Driving warms up the tyres and the air inside them therefore it is best to check the tyre pressure when they are cool or you will get a false reading. Your car's owner manual with give you the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle.

Check your filter Filter checks and changes are one of the best ways to save petrol. Dirty air filters restrict air flow to the engine which doesn’t make for great performance or fuel efficiency.

Filters are simple to check and change; just remove the filter and hold it up to the sun. If light shines through, you need to replace it. Rather use filters that are cleaned - they are far more cost effective than throwing away paper filters and have less impact on the environment.

Use the air-con sparingly Your air-conditioner can use up to 10% more fuel when operating, so roll down your window and let the wind blow through your hair. That said, if you drive faster that 80 km/h the air-con may be more efficient considering the wind resistance from open windows.

As drivers in South Africa, we can't do anything about the cost of fuel, but luckily we can control the amount of fuel we use.

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ROAD SAFETY AND YOUR WINDSCREEN 24

The windscreen is an often neglected component of the vehicle. The windscreen is much more important than a mere screen between you and other road users. The safety needs stretch far beyond the obvious requirement of visibility for the driver! In today's vehicles, windscreens are an important component of the vehicle's overall structural integrity – they are designed to add strength to the car (like a door pillar). When designed in compliance with the car manufacturer’s original specifications your windscreen will help prevent the roof from collapsing in a roll - over accident.

Modern cars fitted with airbags use the windscreen as a support surface against which the passenger airbag inflates. The windscreen helps ensure that the airbag is properly positioned to protect the occupants when it deploys. A badly fitted windscreen may pop out when subjected to the airbag pressure, thus rendering both airbag and windscreen useless.

While windscreen repair is less expensive than replacement, if you wait too long, and the damage has time to spread, windscreen repair will no longer be an option. Remember that just because a windscreen is chipped doesn’t mean that it needs to be totally replaced. Thirty percent of the time a windscreen can be easily and effectively repaired before the damage worsens. The important thing is that, once a motorist notices a chip or a crack, it must be repaired as soon as possible, to prevent further damage that might impair visibility.

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DAMAGE TO THE WINDSCREEN:

What are the dangers posed by damaged windscreens? drivers may take longer to re-adapt their vision following exposure to the stray light effects created through a worn windscreen ("dazzling")

Every car will get a chip on its windscreen one or other time. In view of ongoing road works on almost all of South Africa’s major routes, the potential for windscreen chips and cracks is huge.

detection distances to objects on the road ahead may be reduced when looking through worn windscreens

Damage to windscreens typically falls into two categories; sudden impact damage and degradation or wear.

the contrast of objects on the road ahead may be reduced - the consequence of which could be a reduction of visibility distances

Sudden impact damage includes cracks and "bulls eyes".

Both this damage and degradation damage - through multiple fine scratches and chips resulting from gradual wear - may be distracting to drivers and cause visual problems

dirty windscreens seemed to cause drivers to crash twice as often in a driving simulator (as compared to driving with a new windscreen) and when driving with a degraded windscreen, drivers reaction times to a secondary task may be slowed.

Windscreens are continuously bombarded by small particles such as tiny rocks, sand and dirt that wear the surface. Further to this, windscreen wipers can damage the windscreen over time by scratching tiny particles across the surface.

driving with a visually degraded windscreen induces fatigue and performance declines more rapidly than when driving with a non-degraded windscreen

Scratching can occur when:

older drivers might find worn out windscreens to be even more debilitating compared with younger drivers

the rubber has worn away and the windscreen is exposed to the bare metal of the wiper

Safety advice and suggestions

windscreen wipers are used on dry windscreens

Check that the windscreen is not cracked in the vision area - Do not drive with a seriously cracked windscreen – have it replaced as soon as possible.

dirt is allowed to collect on windscreen wiper blades Another factor that may compound the effects of windscreen degradation is soiling. It was suggested that grease and grime may result in the production of scattered light and further, that the removal of the grease and grime may result in the windscreen being scratched and damaged.

Check that the windscreen washers and wipers are working and that the wiper blades are in good condition.

Before you leave the house on a cold winter morning, make sure to clear any frost from the windscreen with warm, not boiling, water. Boiling water may crack your windscreen.

THE RISK OF CRACKED WINDSCREENS

Drive with a clean windscreen - Depending on how dirty your windscreen is or what it has been contaminated with, there are a number of options. A windscreen or side glass that resists cleaning with ordinary soap and water probably has oil or grease on it. In this instance you could use methylated spirits diluted 1:1 with water.

Safety is a very important issue. A faulty windscreen compromises the safety of you and your passengers - its ability to withstand an impact is substantially weakened.

A damaged windscreen also inhibits your visibility and can be dangerous to you and other road users.

When light travels along a path without disturbance it is called "useful light". However the light path can be disturbed causing the beam to change in some way. Light that has been disturbed is referred to as "stray light". The intensity of stray light depends on the scattering angle and the intensity of the original beam. This stray light can have a negative impact on driver perception.

Fix all chips, cracks and replace the windscreen if necessary.

It is advisable to repair chips as soon as possible to prevent them from turning into cracks. Also it is important to have chips repaired by a reputable fitment centre

Stray light can be generated in soiled or surface damaged windscreens. During the daylight the eye is adapted to stronger light with many different wavelengths; therefore the impact of stray light is not very severe at this time.

However in the case of suddenly appearing light sources, such as on-coming headlights at night, the light that hits the windscreen can be deflected into the driver's eye by means of wide angle light scattering, causing disturbances in vision and perception.

Different types of windscreen damage can result in different stray light effects. For example, small chips tend to scatter light with a halo around the light source, while scratches and grooves tend to scatter light perpendicular to the damaged area and add one or two "tails" to the light source.

Check the effectiveness of your windscreen wipers should they not be effective, do not hesitate to replace them.

Check the water level in the windscreen wiper bottle.

The windscreen will require a clean periodically when travelling long distance to remove dirt from the windscreen.

A Perfect vision is important when travelling. It will not be a valid defense in court to say that you caused an accident because you could not see. If you can’t see – You may not drive!

25

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INSURANCE TIPS

10 reasons why your taxi insurance claim could be rejected Every year, thousands of taxi insurance claims are either partly or completely rejected by insurers because of policy exclusions or a breach of conditions. Here are 10 of the most common reasons why insurers could reject your claim

satellite tracking device and you fail to comply, your claim will be rejected. The same goes for alarms, immobilisers and gear locks.

8. Vehicle inspection not carried out Most insurers insist that your taxi is inspected on inception of the policy. This is to check for any pre-existing damage to the vehicle. If this inspection is not done, you are in breach of contract and your claim will be rejected.

1. Premiums aren’t up to date One of the main reasons why claims are rejected is because of unpaid premiums. Make sure that payments are made timeously and regularly or you might find yourself without cover.

9. Vehicle used for business Taxis are insured for private use, which includes using it to get to and from work on a daily basis. If, however, you will be using the taxi during the day to perform your business duties, this will have to be disclosed.

2. Unlicensed or unspecified drivers Some policies cover the regular driver only so if someone else will be driving your taxi, you need to specify exactly who will be using it. Also, if the taxi is involved in an accident while being driven by an unlicensed driver, the claim will be rejected.

10. Vehicle not parked securely at night

3. Unroadworthy taxi If you have an accident and it turns out that your taxi is not in a roadworthy condition, your claim will be rejected.

This could be because of something as simple as broken windscreen wipers or insufficient tread on the tyres.

4. Driving recklessly or under the influence Your insurance policy contains something called the Failure To Take Care clause, which refers to reckless driving. This means that if you were driving recklessly your insurer might refuse to pay out your claim. There is also a Breach Of Road Traffic Regulations clause, so if for example you were speeding at the time of the accident, your claim might also be rejected. It goes without saying that if you are involved in an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol, your claim will not be paid out.

Tips to reduce the chances of your claim being rejected.

Read the fine print: Make sure that you are familiar with and understand the T's and C's of your policy.

This includes items such as the excess, exclusions and whether other drivers are covered.

Be honest and upfront: Don’t withhold any information from your insurer. Be honest about who will be driving the taxi and if the taxi will be used for business purposes. Disclose any accidents you have claimed for in the past.

5. No write-off cover Unless write-off cover is clearly stated in your policy, your insurer will not be liable if your taxi is written off in an accident.

Keep your vehicle well maintained: If your taxi is deemed to be unroadworthy in any way your claim will be rejected so keep up to date with services and maintenance.

6. Telematics indicate driver error Telematic devices are used to track and recover your taxi if it is stolen, but can also be used to monitor your driving. Some insurers insist on the fitment of a telematics device and if it is found, for example, that bad driving or speeding caused an accident, your claim might be rejected. On the bright side, some insurers use telematics to reward good driving.

Drive responsibly: Any reckless behaviour that leads to an accident could see your claim being rejected so don’t drink and drive, obey the rules of the road and don’t speed.

Stick to your promises: If you stated, for example, that the taxi is kept in a locked garage at night, don’t park it outside.

7. Tracking and security devices not fitted If your insurance cover is conditional upon the fitment of a

Insurers want to know where your taxi is parked at night. If you state that your taxi is parked securely in a locked garage at night but it is found that you regularly leave it outside, you will not be paid out if it is stolen or broken into.

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EMPOWERMENT

Taxi boss lady vows to fight for women When Lorraine Sifuba started her taxi business, she was clueless about how to maintain a car. "When I started operating, I did not even know car parts, but I know everything now," says Sifuba, who now heads an important division within the National Taxi Alliance meant to transform the industry. As chairwoman of gender affairs for NTA, her job is to ensure that women's voices are heard in the male-dominated industry.

Sifuba conducts her daily business in a clean air-conditioned office on the 20th floor at Carlton Centre, in the Johannesburg city centre.

In June Sifuba embarked on a roadshow to meet female operators across the country. The project revealed shocking testimonies about the mistreatment of women and their oppression in the industry.

Just outside in the streets of the once revered landmark that gave the golden city its shine in its heyday, is the hustle and bustle that gives the city its character. In the mix is a sprinkle of taxi ranks, departure points for commuters to various destinations. This is where Sifuba's bread is buttered.

"In Limpopo women told me they were not allowed to say a word [in meetings] just because they were women. I have brought that to the attention of our provincial structure there.

Sifuba operates one vehicle, on the Dobsonville - Jo'burg route.

"They have promised to attend to it, saying they were not aware of such treatment because it happens at association level," Sifuba says.

How easy is it for Sifuba as a female taxi operator to convince her male counterparts who are generally known for settling disputes through the barrel of a gun to do things differently and help protect the rights of women?

She also visited Free State, and the next stop is planned for either Mpumalanga or North West.

She is very careful with her words when it comes to commenting on the issues that have plagued the industry for years, including the violence.

"My responsibility is to show women how to play their roles from associations and other levels. Most women are left with the business when a husband dies.

"We (female taxi owners) are a small minority. I wish we can find the cause of the violence so that we are able to find solutions. There has been a lot of finger pointing (but) we don't need to throw stones," Sifuba says.

These women have never participated in the business. We have identified women who had been left with a fleet of 10 cars, but a year down the line you will find that she is left with one car."

Sifuba has travelled a long journey in the industry, starting with her husband during the 1980s when taxis then were sedans.

She notes that the collapse of the taxi businesses that widows inherit happens because the women lack the knowledge to run the business. In other instances the women are duped by people they trust, including family members, she says.

The desk she heads aims to empower female owners to know their rights and the know-how to run a successful taxi business.

"There was a time when there were serious killings in the industry. Men were dying a lot. We came together as wives to pray for them. Our association at that time was (the) Dobsonville Taxi Association (DTA). That was the beginning for me to get involved in the industry," she says.

"Most women don't know anything about the business. They don't know a basic requirement such as an operational permit.

DTA has become the Dobsonville Roodepoort Leratong Johannesburg Taxi Association (Dorljota), a Top Six Management affiliate.

"When the man is no longer there they don't know what to do.

This is where I come in and I wish (more) taxi associations (could also) open up," she says.

She was elected Top Six women's league chairwoman in Gauteng in 2006. She served in that capacity for years as Top Six joined other provincial representative bodies across the country to form the NTA.

Her job to educate women has often pitted her against men who are opposed to change. This she says demonstrates that there is still a long way to go to achieve issues of gender parity in the industry.

30

Sifuba has since risen to the national leader of NTA's women's league. She says she immensely enjoys her role of defending women's rights in the industry.

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31

LAW

by Advocate Van Der Schyff

TRAFFIC FINES: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! The Metro Police may threaten to arrest you for unpaid traffic fines. Know your rights.

What are your rights if you are stopped at a roadblock and the traffic/metro police determine that you have not paid outstanding traffic fines and that there is a warrant out for your arrest?

down all the details of the arresting officers, and list the date and time of the arrest. In particular make a mental note of all the events and surrounding circumstances concerning the arrest and as soon as possible thereafter (whilst the events are still fresh in your mind) make a detailed statement.

If you ignored a summons requiring you to appear in court for failing to pay a traffic fine, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest for being in contempt of court.

Thereafter, take legal advice and if you are advised to do so, lay a charge against the police as soon as possible after the incident.

Practical steps to follow: 1. If you do get stopped and they want to arrest you, demand to see a copy of the warrant.

1. You must ask for a copy (the law states demand) of the warrant of arrest or written authorisation, and if the traffic official refuses or cannot provide you with a copy when arrested then the arrest and subsequent detention is unlawful, even if there turns out to be a valid warrant.

The police can only arrest you if they have the original or a copy of the warrant for your arrest on them. (In terms of Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act an arrest on a copy or a written communication from a magistrate or peace officer is legal.).

A practical ruling by the Director of Public Prosecutions is that the Metro Police must supply the warrant of arrest or at least a copy of the warrant within 30 minutes after the arrest. It is impossible for the Metro Police to have 1, 5 million original warrants of arrest at the road block.

2. If the police cannot produce a copy of the warrant of arrest, refuse to go with them and point out that the arrest is illegal.

3. If they persist and still want to arrest you despite their inability to produce a copy of the warrant advise them that you will sue them for unlawful arrest. At that time, take

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2. The Criminal Procedure Act allows for a telegraphic or a similar written or printed communication from a magistrate, justice or peace officer stating that a warrant has been issued for the arrest of the person so as to satisfy the above requirement. The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act also allow for data transmissions (e.g. cell or e-mail transmissions) to qualify as written communications. In terms of the law, you must be handed a copy of that written authority if you demand to be furnished with a copy. If the arresting official cannot hand you a copy of the data transmission when arrested then the arrest and detention remains unlawful. This transmission

must state that there is a warrant for your arrest and give adequate details of the reasons for the arrest. An extract from a list of persons for whom warrants may exist will not comply with the legislation and constitutional requirements.

from the Clerk of the Criminal Court. In some places these officials are traffic personnel and the Courts are administered by the Traffic Departments. You may need the assistance of your attorney to obtain the right documents or ensure that these are given to you.

3. You have the right to be fully informed of the reasons for your arrest. You must also be informed of your constitutional rights when arrested and detained. It will not be sufficient to merely state that there is a warrant for an outstanding traffic summons for X amount.

11.Checking the service of the summons and issue of the warrant will verify the legality of procedures. There have been reported instances where no such warrant existed, the service was irregular and where an alleged corrupt official stated that a warrant/s existed and took the money while no warrants existed.

4. If the traffic officials detained you in a traffic vehicle, bus, office or similar place of detention while they carried on with other duties or arrests, then the detention will also be unlawful.

12. In traffic matters a summons cannot be posted.

13. You can only be arrested for a traffic fine where you failed to appear in court on a summons.

5.If you were arrested and detained while the officials checked if there were outstanding fines or warrants and they did not have the warrant when arresting you then the arrest and detention will be unlawful. They will effectively have arrested you once they confine or restrict your liberty for the outstanding traffic matter.

6. If you were subjected to any human rights abuses then you will have a further claim against the authorities in addition to the claim for unlawful arrest and or detention.

7. Most legal writers or authorities are of the opinion that arrests and detentions for minor traffic fines are unconstitutional. The Criminal Procedure Act provides for a procedure that empowers a peace officer to issue a written notice to an accused (even after arrest) as method of securing attendance of accused in a magistrate’s court where the fine to be imposed is less than that prescribed by the Minister of Justice (Currently R5000). The Constitutionality of arresting persons for minor traffic violations, where an admission of guilt fine is provided for, and only in respect of a few hundred Rand and then detaining them (as is the case in most matters) still has to be considered by the Courts.

8. If the purpose of the arrest was clearly to induce you to pay the outstanding fine and not to bring you before court then the arrest will not be lawful. The practice of arresting of persons at roadblocks at night intentionally outside of court hours) or before weekends or public holiday periods such as over Easter, on warrants for petty or minor traffic offences and then detaining them with the threat and motive that they will stay in jail unless or until they pay the fines outstanding, is indicative of such unlawful motives.

In a civil claim for damages, each case is evaluated by the court on the particular circumstances of the unlawful arrest and detention and those of the person arrested. The length of the period that the person is detained, circumstances under which the person was detained and the effect the arrest and detention had on the person are some of the factors that will influence the amount of damages that the arrested person will be awarded by the court. Keep full notes on all procedures applied to you, times, places where you were taken or detained, how long you were detained and also where possible the names of officials. Some traffic officials, primarily those of the Metro Police, do not wear name tag identification. In such a case note their features so that you can identify them and take down the traffic patrol vehicle’s registration number.

9. The law requires that arrested persons must be brought to the place stipulated in the warrant or the police station (SAPS) as soon as possible after the arrest. This should be checked against the written warrant. In the majority of cases the arrested persons are not taken to the designated place but to the traffic offices or ATM to pay the fines or directly to the traffic court. The effect of an arrest is that the person arrested is in unlawful custody and the person must be detained until lawfully discharged.

10.After your arrest, you should request copies of the summons, return of service certifying that the summons was properly served on you, and court authorisation of the warrant. Put simply, the summons is a traffic fine served on you, while a warrant is a written authorisation for your arrest failing to appear in court on the summons. The summons must be served personally at your workplace or residence and if you are not there it can be served on

The most important advice is to ensure that if you do receive a traffic fine (at the scene this will have the same effect as a summons) or postal notice of a fine, a summons, or more importantly a notice of a warrant, attend to it immediately and ensure that you receive an official receipt for any payments.

It is also vitally important to get written confirmation from the Traffic Authority of the change of your (seller and the new owner’s) particulars when you sell a vehicle or when you change your residential or work address.

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After you have been arrested you should consult an attorney

34

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WATCH YOUR BRAND GROW. 35

HEALTH ADVICE by Themba Khoza

The high costs of an Unhealthy lifestyle By the time most of us are adults, we have acquired a whole lifetime of bad habits, like drinking too much caffeine and eating processed food, and lost many of the good ones we had when we were younger – like staying active. These bad habits expose us to a heightened risk of developing so-called “lifestyle diseases” – diseases that mostly could have been avoided by changing our lifestyles. Once these diseases have taken hold, they can be difficult to treat or reverse, resulting in a lifetime of medical interventions and the associated expenses.

36

We spoke to Isabel Thompson, a Johannesburg GP, about the risks associated with “living the good life” and her recommendations for living a better one.

You eat badly A poor diet – one that is high in processed foods, animal proteins, simple carbohydrates, sugars and bad fats – can lead to everything from heart disease to diabetes to some kinds of cancer. Never mind the long-term effects, in the short term, a poor diet will leave you lethargic and unfocused. You are what you eat, so start eating to become the best person you can be.

The doctor recommends:You probably already know what’s good for you and what isn’t. Start by shopping for healthy foods – so that when you cook, there’s no junk to be had. Make sure that everything you buy is something your grandmother would recognise (processed foods are a modern invention). And find a healthy eating plan that works for you, so that you’ll stick to it.

You never exercise A sedentary existence can cause obesity, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, muscular and skeletal discomfort and fragility, stress and depression. Again, you know you should be exercising, but it can be very hard to find the time and motivation.

The doctor recommends: Contrary to what many people think, it’s not actually essential to work out with weights and cardio at the gym for an hour every morning until you are red in the face. In fact, that’s what puts a lot of people off exercise. Instead, find something moderately active that you love doing, and do that regularly.

You drink too much alcohol Alcohol use and abuse can affect your quality of life, leading to hangovers and depression in the wake of a binge. In combination with poor diet and no exercise, it can also lead to fatty liver disease, which affects your quality of life by making you lethargic, weak and confused, and can lead to further complications if not carefully managed.

The doctor recommends: It’s fine to drink in moderation – with the “safe” guideline being six units a week. But bear in mind that some people can drink a bottle of wine with no after-effects and others struggle the next day after one or two glasses. You may also have heard of studies that show that red wine lowers cholesterol. It’s best to take those studies with a pinch of salt (or not, if you’re aiming for good health), and just remember that moderation in all things is the way to go.

You smoke cigarettes Smoking causes cancer, osteoporosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sinusitis and asthma (for yourself and for those who live with you – even if you go outside to smoke).

The doctor recommends:

Don’t smoke. At all.

37

You eat too much sugar Sugar is toxic. The calories it gives you are empty – meaning they have no nutrients – and it damages your teeth and liver, and can lead to diabetes and obesity. As a society, we are addicted to sugar, and we need to find ways of reducing our reliance on it.

The doctor recommends: Try to cut back on every source of sugar you have access to – whether it’s in your tea, a soft drink or a daily chocolate from the office vending machine.

Of course, you can allow yourself the occasional treat, but once a week is more than enough. And don’t substitute with toxic sweeteners either – the idea is to wean yourself off your taste for sweetness altogether.

You drink too much coffee Caffeine causes anxiety, heart palpitations and a lack of sleep. Its biggest affect is on your quality of life, as many coffee drinkers don’t realise – or accept – that their favourite beverage is the cause of their anxiety or the reason that they can’t sleep at night.

The doctor recommends: Assess your own tolerance for caffeine, and if you are having negative reactions, cut back.

Remember that as you grow older, your tolerance can go down, so when you’re forty, you might not be able to manage two cappuccinos in the afternoon and another after dinner like you did when you were a student.

You’re too stressed and you don’t get enough sleep Although stress and lack of sleep are two separate points, they are often intertwined, so we’ve listed them together. Both can cause exhaustion, obesity, hypertension and diabetes, but the society in which we live has created the belief that we should thrive on stress and need very little sleep or we’re not achieving anything.

The doctor recommends: Don’t get caught in the trap of believing that you don’t need that much sleep or that stress is what motivates you. You have to find ways to wind down and find peace so that you get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling rested and ready to take on new challenges. Eight hours of sleep a night is generally recommended, but people are different from each other. Try to identify how much you need to leave you feeling rested when you aren’t stressed, and don’t skimp on that when you are.

For stress, try to find an activity that calms you – like yoga or meditation – and make space for that in your life. If the demands on your time and energy are too high, consider seeing a therapist or life coach about better time and money management, to get all your stress factors back under control.

Change your life, today!

Making a change is one of the hardest things a person can do, but the benefits of a healthy lifestyle make it all worthwhile, while the costs of being unhealthy are prohibitive. Everyone is different, so have a look at your problem areas – you know what they are – and take the doctor’s advice for tackling them, one at a time.

ADVICE

by Loyiso Ngavu

HOW TO NEGOTIATE WHEN BUYING A NEW TAXI?

Buying a new taxi should be exciting, but it's often just a relief when it’s over Discounts are available on many new taxis, but you have to haggle to get the lowest possible price. Here are our 10 top tips for getting the best possible deal.

1. Do your homework Before visiting a taxi dealership you need to arm yourself with as much information as possible. Check if the model you’re interested in is due to be updated or replaced; if it is, you can use this to push for a bigger saving. And look at the manufacturer’s website to see if they’re knocking off any money in the form of “contributions”. This reduced price can then be your starting point for negotiations.

2. Time it right Many sales targets are set on a monthly basis, so it’s best to visit a dealership near the end of the month. If it’s struggling to meet its target you’ll find it easier to secure a big saving.

3. Strike a good balance You don’t want to come across as overeager, but at the same time you want to make sure the salesperson knows you’re not just browsing. Make it clear that you’re keen to buy, but only for the right price.

4. Play your cards close to your chest Never tell the salesman your maximum budget because this will only weaken your negotiating position. Ideally you don’t want to spend the maximum you’ve got available.

5. Shop around Visit several taxi dealerships to see which is prepared to offer the best price on the taxi you want. And ask each taxi

dealership for a quote in writing. You can then take the best quote to the next taxi dealership and ask them to beat it.

6. Think about the big picture If you’re trading in a taxi as part of the deal it’s important to get value here as well. After all, there’s no point squeezing every last penny off the price of your new taxi if you’re going to give your old taxi away for a fraction of what it’s worth.

7. Remember money isn’t everything If the salesperson won’t offer a saving that you’re happy with, ask them to throw in an extended warranty or equipment that would usually cost extra. Just make sure it’s equipment that you actually want, or it’s effectively worthless.

8. Factor in finance Unless you have the money for your new taxi sitting in the bank, you’ll need to arrange finance. The dealer will be happy to help you with this, but also get some quotes from high-street loan companies, or you could end up paying more than you need to.

9. Don’t be afraid to walk away If you’re not happy with what’s on offer, say thanks but no thanks. There will always be other deals.

10. Consider using a broker Taxi brokers specialise in finding taxis for their clients, handling the negotiations, then introducing their customer to the dealership. They can often secure bigger discounts than regular customers because they help dealers shift large numbers of cars. Just remember that you should never pay a broker for their services - they earn their money by charging the dealer one per cent on every car they help sell.

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For advice on buying a new taxi, please call Loyiso Ngavu on 082 6894588

LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER The editorial team welcomes readers’ letters but reserves the right to edit them for publication. Please send your messages to: 011 0222 812 RESPECT

ACCIDENTS

"I believe it starts with oneself, when you treat people with respect and ubuntu, you will gain respect as well. Training alone will not make you a better person but you need to show willingness to work with people and learn from them..."

“Taxi organisations and taxi owners should encourage their drivers to do advance driving courses to improve their driving skills and prevent road accidents…”

Lucky ( KwaMashu)

Gxabhashe (Soweto)

DRIVE SAFE "Taxi drivers like to drive fast on the roads. I think they should be careful and ensure that commuters reach their destinations safely."

Jafta (KZN)

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SAVINGS & INVESTMENTSby Trishalan Munsami

Five things you need to know about tax-free savings accounts The financial media have published endless stories about “tax-free savings accounts”, but even with this glut of information, most people are none the wiser about these new investment products.

This government initiative was launched on 1 March 2015 to encourage household savings. To this end, no tax on interest, capital gains or dividends will be charged on the growth of the investment. You can invest up to R30 000 per year and a total of R500 000 in your lifetime into these types of accounts.

While this sounds like a great deal (“quick, dash out, open a tax-free account immediately!”), in fact, it’s not as clear cut as that. We looked into some of the complexities, drawbacks and benefits around these types of accounts to help you to understand whether they are really worth it.

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1. They are not only savings accounts Thankfully, tax-free savings accounts are not limited to lowinterest-earning savings products only. Most investment companies have launched new tax-free investment products and others are making their existing products tax free for the first R30 000 you invest each year. This means that you can invest for the long term and earn decent returns, tax free, in asset classes such as equities, bonds and listed property.

2. If you withdraw your money, you’ve lost that portion of your investment total Because tax-free savings accounts should be long-term investments, you shouldn’t think of withdrawing or cashing out any money from the account, because that money can never be re-invested.

This is because the R30 000 annual and R500 000 lifetime limits are limits on the amount of money you can put in, not the total capital accumulated, so if you withdraw the money, you can’t re-invest it and hope to reap the tax benefit again. To illustrate, if you’ve reached your R30 000 annual investment limit, and you draw R10 000, you can’t put that R10 000 back into the account and get your tax-free benefit.

In addition, any money deposited over and above the annual limit will be taxed at 40%. That’s the capital that will be taxed, not just the growth, so be sure to stay under your limit.

You also can’t beat the system by investing your annual limit twice over in two different companies’ tax-free investment products. You will be caught out at your tax return and charged a 40% tax on the additional invested capital.

3. You can invest on behalf of your children for a greater total, but consider what it’s costing them Since you can invest in the names of your minor children, a family of four could invest up to R120 000 a year, which becomes a very appealing investment option indeed.

According to Stuart Kantor, an independent financial advisor at Kanan Wealth, this makes tax-free savings accounts a great vehicle for an education fund, as most education funds are endowment policies, which are taxed at 30% during the term of the investment. It’s also a good way to provide your children with a tax-free lump-sum to get them started in life when they turn 18.

However, it is important to bear in mind that while you are benefiting from the tax-free structure in your children’s names, you are eating into their lifetime limit. When they are old enough to take charge of their own financial affairs, you will have limited their opportunity to invest in tax-free savings in the same way. So if you are going to invest in their names, be sure that you are considering the long-term impact it will have on them.

4. You probably weren’t paying that much tax anyway…

Currently, the first R23 800 of interest that you earn on savings in a normal savings account is tax free. The first R30 000 of normal investment growth is also free from capital gains tax. This means that you will have to invest for a long time before you realise this kind of growth. For example, if

we assume an investment return of 10%, it will take around six years of investing R30 000 a year before you are earning more than R23 800 in interest annually. It is only after you have passed these thresholds that you are getting the benefit from a tax-free savings account.

This is further complicated by the fact that most investment funds are made up of a portion of interest earning investments, which are taxed as income according to your tax bracket, and a portion of equities exposure, which is taxed at 33.3%, once thresholds have been reached. Investment growth also comes from dividends, which are normally taxed at 15%.

Essentially, this means that it’s tricky to calculate your exact tax savings, but it’s important to know that as things stand, you’ll only begin to beat the taxman after six years or so with the maximum investment. This is why it’s vital to view taxfree savings accounts as a long-term investment.

However, there has been talk of scrapping the tax-free thresholds on normal savings and investments accounts, which will mean that tax-free savings accounts will be the only way to realise these benefits.

5. Tax-free savings accounts shouldn’t necessarily replace other types of investments Warren Ingram published, in which he detailed the hierarchy of long-term investments. This is the order of investment priority he suggested: 1. Pay off short-term debts 2. Build an emergency fund equal to three months’ worth of your expenses 3. Make full use of your retirement fund contribution allowance (15% of your taxable income) 4. Put R30 000 a year into a tax-free savings account 5. Invest in taxable discretionary savings and investments As you can see, you should not sacrifice your maximum retirement savings or reduce your other financial commitments to invest in tax-free savings accounts. The only point at which tax-free savings accounts should take precedence is if you are already investing in shares, unit trusts or ETFs for the long term, in which case, of course you should use up your tax-free limit first.

Ingram also pointed out that if you have no additional cashflow to invest, but have existing investments in investment products that are not “tax free”, it may be worth considering cashing them out and re-investing them, but you should speak to a financial advisor about the implications, because the original investment might then be subject to capital gains tax.

So where to from here?

It boils down to this: Tax-free savings accounts are a fantastic long-term investment product. Do not use them for your dayto-day savings, do not use them for your emergency fund, do not replace your retirement annuity and do not go into debt to invest in them. However, once you are comfortable that these other aspects of your financial planning are in order, they represent a very attractive way to achieve tax-free growth on the first R30 000 that you invest annually.

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Don’t leave it too late, request a call back from Trishalan Munsani on 071 585 9313 and he will help you start saving today!

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29 NOVEMBER 2019 Official Publication Partner VOTED #1 PUBLIC TRANSPORT MAGAZINE IN AFRICA 2018-2019

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