Honouring the legacy of Basil Rodnick Nagel

Jay-Jay  Maans, chairperson of Retreat Taxi Association (RTA)

On behalf of the Retreat Taxi Association (RTA), and in my capacity as chairperson, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Basil Rodnick Nagel, who passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, August 20, at the age of 77.

Mr Nagel was a founding pillar of the RTA, serving as chairperson from 1972 until 2016. He was also one of the visionary founding members of the South African Black Taxi Association (SABTA) in 1979, later rising to become the first democratically elected chairperson of SABTA and, in time, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO). His fingerprints are on the very architecture of our industry and can rightly be regarded as both a pioneer and an engineer of the minibus taxi industry.

Known for his discipline, integrity, and unwavering sense of justice, Mr Nagel was more than a leader; he was a legislator at heart, a hardworking and upright man who believed in formalizing and strengthening the industry.

He guided us through countless processes that shaped taxi operators into recognised associations and business owners, laying a foundation that still supports the movement today. His service was selfless. He gave freely of his time, his wisdom, and his life, never asking for personal gain.

As I reflect on his immense legacy, I cannot help but add this:

We could never question his leadership, and we will surely miss him for his attributes and knowledge, especially his understanding and experience he brought to the taxi industry. He could stand his man with any Minister of Transport. We are going to miss him. He unfortunately left us suddenly. May his soul rest in peace.

Mr Nagel’s leadership extended beyond association halls and boardrooms. With the dawn of democracy in 1994, he stood at the forefront of reform. He was instrumental in the National Taxi Task Team (NTT), created in 1995 to tackle the challenges of the industry.

He was fearless in confronting government neglect, highlighting the unfair subsidies to bus and rail while the taxi industry, which carried more than 60% of commuters, was overlooked. His vision was for an industry that could be self-sustaining, financially strong, and treated with equal dignity.

He served on the executive committee at the national level and was the first democratically elected chairperson of SANTACO in the Western Cape for two terms.

As Western Cape chairperson of SANTACO, he tirelessly fought for this vision, pushing for taxi operators to gain access to bus contracts, for a fair share of the petrol levy to modernize fleets, for prime properties to be secured to strengthen financial stability, and for business ventures such as petrol stations to ease costs for operators and commuters.

Though often met with resistance from the government and even from within, he never backed down. He faced threats, survived attempts on his life, and endured broken promises, but his determination never wavered.

His courage earned him respect not only from his peers but also from senior officials in the Department of Transport at both provincial and national levels. He stood tall, a man of principle, whose work ensured that generations to come would inherit a stronger, more formalised industry.

Beyond the public battles, there was the private man, a father, a mentor, a strong-willed character who will be missed beyond measure. 

We also owe a debt of gratitude to his wife, Florence, his son, Lloyd, and his daughters, Janine and Bianca-Leigh, who so generously shared their husband and father with us.

They allowed him the space and strength to do what he loved most, and that is serving the taxi industry and its people. Their sacrifice is woven into his legacy, and for that, we extend our heartfelt thanks.

His daughter, Bianca-Leigh Nagel, shared a moving farewell: “The taxi is (reversed) parked in the driveway. A hat perched on the coat hanger. Your last ride is done. Forever your little girl.”

These words capture the quiet, personal loss behind the towering public figure. Mr Nagel was not only an industry giant but also a beloved father, a man whose presence will be impossible to replace.

Today, as we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life of service, sacrifice, and vision. His leadership, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to fairness will continue to inspire us.

On behalf of the Retreat Taxi Association, I thank him for his decades of service, and I salute his memory. Mr Basil Rodnick Nagel will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.