Utilising excess minibus-taxi capacity for South African townships tours

This paper proposes an option for the utilisation of excess off-peak capacity of minibus-taxis in South Africa for township tours. The minibus-taxi system typically faces steep peak loads during rush hours with excess vehicle and person capacity available during off-hours. The advantages of the proposed system include increased direct and indirect income for township residents, higher utilisation of scarce capital goods and publicity for industries in the periphery of mainstream tourism. The paper discusses the social and physical environment in South Africa and in particular in the townships. It analyses the changing transport sector of South Africa and then addresses six key issues in the development of an employment-focused township tour system: the market, the minibus-taxi operators, the critical stakeholders, ethics, the organisational structures and the financial feasibility. The proposed concept is used for an implementation in Ivory Park, a relatively large township north of Johannesburg.