Independent Facilitation for the Industry Transition process within the City of Ekurhuleni (2018 – 2021) 

Mzuzu Group was contracted to perform Independent Facilitation services for the Industry Transition Process of the IRPTN within the City of Ekurhuleni. As Facilitators, we convened multiple engagements as per approved engagements structure, enabling the Parties (City of Ekurhuleni and the Potentially Affected Operators) to determine and agree on the most suitable process to achieve a successful outcome of Industry Transition Process. As part of the Scope of Work, the Facilitators also provided mediation, dispute resolution, and interpretation and translation services for the duration of the entire project.

Key Deliverables:

1.        Preparation, drafting, approval and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Ekurhuleni and Ekurhuleni Taxi Industry;

2.       Preparation, drafting, approval and conclusion of Section 67 Agreement;

3.        Successful planning and implementation of the Mayoral announced new route of Harambee between Tembisa and OR Tambo International Airport;

4.       Successful transaction processing of new bus funding for the Special Purpose Vehicle or Interim Bus Operating Company;

5.       Successful on-boarding and re-establishment of engagements and between City of Ekurhuleni and Vosloorus, Boksburg District Taxi Association;

6.        Preparation, tabling and conclusion of Interim Compensation Negotiations between City of Ekurhuleni and Ekurhuleni Taxi Industry;

7.       Successful conclusion of procurement of twenty-two (22) buses for the Interim Operator;

8.       Successful planning and execution of Business Value and Market Share Surveys Processes and eventual approval of data results;

9.      Successful planning and execution of Registration Process;

10.   Facilitation of Negotiation Committee Induction Workshop in preparation of Permanent Compensation.

Impact:

Mzuzu Group has been pivotal in the industry transition process, acting as Independent Facilitators. Their deep understanding of the public transport industry dynamics, particularly the taxi sector, has been instrumental. The Group's efforts have ensured continuous stakeholder engagement, preventing delays and derailments commonly caused by inadequate consultation.

They facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Ekurhuleni and affected operators, establishing a formal commitment from all parties. Mzuzu Group's role included navigating the technical aspects of negotiations, ensuring that the public transport operators were meaningfully involved in the Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) project.

Their mediation and facilitation ensured compliance with regulations, effective communication, and smooth transitions. This involvement has been crucial in fostering cooperation among various stakeholders, including municipal and private bus operators, scholar transport, metered-taxi operators, and Ekurhuleni Women in Public Transport (EWIPT). By securing the buy-in of all these groups, Mzuzu Group has paved the way for a superior and integrated public transport system, ultimately benefiting residents and visitors in Ekurhuleni.

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