Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and provincial roads and transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela will provide an update on the taxi operations across the province, including the latest developments in Ekurhuleni amid the taxi strike in the region.
Lesufi’s spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla, said Gauteng’s deputy provincial commissioner for police, Major-General Fred Kekana, will also be part of the media briefing to give an update on the establishment of the Gauteng political killings task team.
“Earlier today, MEC Diale-Tlabela engaged with taxi operators in Ekurhuleni as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to restore stability and ensure the safe operation of public transport in the province.
“Law enforcement authorities, including the deputy provincial commissioner of the South African Police Service [SAPS], Major-General Kekana, will also be in attendance to provide an update on the establishment of the Gauteng political killings task team,” said Pamla.
The media briefing will take place at 3pm on Friday at the Gautrain Offices in Midrand.
Meanwhile, the South African National Taxi Council’s (Santaco) Gauteng secretary, Graham Fritz, said taxi operations across the province are continuing as normal, with the exception of the Ekurhuleni region, where discussions are ongoing.
“On Thursday, services in Ekurhuleni were temporarily halted following concerns related to vehicle impoundments,” said Fritz.
No province-wide protest planned
“We regret the inconvenience caused to commuters who were left stranded and the anxiety created among the broader public due to reports of a possible province-wide shutdown.
“We wish to stress that there will be no province-wide protest or suspension of services in Gauteng on Friday. Throughout the province, commuters can continue to rely on normal taxi operations.
“Regarding the Ekurhuleni strike, the provincial and national leadership of the council is actively engaging in constructive dialogue to resolve the outstanding matters.
“We are also in ongoing dialogue with both the Gauteng provincial government and the national Transport Ministry to ensure these issues are resolved speedily and amicably.”
On Friday, taxi operations in Ekurhuleni remained suspended, leaving commuters stranded.
Zweli Mnisi, the regional secretary of Santaco Ekurhuleni, announced that taxi operations have currently been halted in certain areas of Ekurhuleni, including Katlehong, Germiston, Benoni, Daveyton, and Kempton Park.
“This difficult decision stems from the ongoing impounding of vehicles, particularly the 10-seater “baby buses,” which are consistently targeted for not having operating licenses,” said Mnisi.
HHowever, the relevant authorities have stopped issuing these licenses, which leaves operators without any legal recourse.
“As a result, taxi operators are compelled to pay hefty fines of up to R5 000 per vehicle to retrieve their vehicles, which is an unsustainable cost that is crippling the viability of their businesses.”
Santaco laments unequal treatment
MMnisi continued: “What is particularly concerning is the selective enforcement of the law.” While our operators face daily harassment and financial penalties, seven-seater vehicles, often operating through e-hailing platforms or informal transport services, continue to operate freely without the required permits. These vehicles are hardly stopped or impounded.
“This unequal treatment by law enforcement places a disproportionate burden on the taxi industry.
“We must halt taxi operations to stop the ongoing victimisation and financial exploitation of our members.
“We urge the relevant government departments to urgently engage with the taxi industry to resolve the matter and ensure equitable and lawful enforcement practices across all modes of public transport,” said Mnisi.
