Cape Town, Northern Cape -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/27/2011 -- A deal, the first of its kind in South Africa, was brokered and subsequently blessed in a ceremony at one of the taxi ranks within the Philippi township between Group1 Nissan (http://www.group1-nissan.co.za/) and the Kiki-Murray Organisation.

Two Nissan Grand Livinas were delivered to two members of the local taxi association as part of a “stokvel”-type arrangement which has allowed for the 7-seater vehicles to become part of an otherwise run-down, and often un-roadworthy, fleet, often referred to as ‘Amapelas’.

Most taxi owners are unable to obtain bank loans in order to purchase their own newer cars, which, in turn means that they will opt for cheaper cash purchases. By opting into the traditional stokvel, these owner-drivers will be allowed to maximise their earning potential due to the 7-seater Nissan Livinas (http://www.group1-nissan.co.za/nissan-livina.aspx) over the typical 5-seater car whilst also being much safer and economical to run.

The taxis are generally operated within the Philippi area, acting as a feeder service to the main taxi and bus routes to Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Bellville. Unfortunately, due to the fact that the Amapelas aren’t generally seen on main roads, they are often overlooked by the relevant traffic and safety authorities.

David Phokeng, co-owner of Blackbeard Trading, who acts as facilitator for this programme is aiming at extending this scheme to the Southern- and Eastern Cape as well as the Free State in the very near future, stating that this has been a major cog in the wheel of change towards safer public transport.

Blackbeard Trading co-owner, Herman Kemp, delightedly states, “This is the first such deal within the country. We started structuring it four years ago and are proud that all our hard work has finally come to fruition. We look forward to what the future holds for this kind of project throughout South Africa and hope that Group 1 Nissan Kuilsriver will be able to move forward with us”.

Group1 Nissan (Kuilsriver) is proud to be associated with the initiative and as preferred dealer to the Kiki-Murray Organisation. “We are looking forward to being part of the future rollout of plans to empower taxi drivers throughout the country”, says Dealer Principal, Lance St. Clair.

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