Economic Growth and Diversification:Public Transport Drivers’ Perception of Their Inclusion in the Mainstream Employment. Case of Gaborone

Abstract

This paper sought to establish the level of ambition that exists in local public transport drivers to participate in the mainstream line of economic growth and diversification. The study took a quantitative approach. During the study 100 respondents were randomly chosen. The chosen respondents were found at Gaborone taxi ranks. The taxi routes included in the study were made up of (Gabane, Tlokweng, Broadhurst, Mogoditshane, Ledumang, blocks, Mmopane, Naledi etc.) The evidence suggests that the majority of drivers in the local public transport industry have interest in being absorbed into the more sustainable formal sector. The paper established that the majority of people (67%) employed as public drivers have formal education and some have tertiary qualifications; and if opportunity presents itself they would like to be in other economic parts. It is important to note that those with tertiary qualification are involved in this sector because of estimated 37.5% youth unemployment rate.  The remaining 33 % were content remaining in the Industry because of flexible working hours that enables them to do other side businesses. This study is a call to government to intervene in order to consider formalising this sector as a profession. In conclusion; Government and public transport sector should also consider coming up with a medium-term (five years) public transport plan and strategy to promote growth and sustainability of the sector since significant number of the drivers are serving in the industry not out of choice but because they could not obtain employment in their preferred trades.   The paper recommends that Government should facilitate the formation of clusters for combi business in order to help the public transport industry to grow and ensure sustainability and hence eliminate the need to migrate to the mainstream sector

Keywords: Public Sector Transport, Inclusion, drivers, COVID-19, lockdown

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-10-11

Publication date:May 31^st 2020