Research highlights lessons from South Africa’s minibus taxi industry for policymakers
Recent research presented in two books explores South Africa's minibus taxi industry, challenging common labels like 'informal' or 'unregulated'. The studies reveal the sector's complex organisation, knowledge systems, and social practices developed by those involved. They argue that understanding this industry requires acknowledging its historical, economic, and governance contexts, and question the benefits and losses of formalisation efforts.
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Two recent books based on over a decade of research challenge common perceptions of South Africa’s minibus taxi industry as merely “informal” or “unregulated.” They show the industry is a complex system with extensive knowledge, organisation, and social practices developed by drivers, operators, marshals, commuters, and communities.
These studies argue that while the industry faces serious issues such as violence, exploitation, and labour precarity, the labels used often obscure the depth of local expertise and coordination involved in its operation.
The research highlights that the problems of the industry are linked to historical deregulation, economic pressures, and governance failures rather than just criminality or disorder.
They also examine the formalisation process, questioning what is gained or lost and whose interests are served, emphasizing that informal does not mean disorganised.
These insights from South Africa’s minibus taxi sector offer important lessons for policymakers on how informal systems work and how African knowledge and epistemology should be valued in institutional transformation.