Gauteng MEC for transport and logistics Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has commended the Gauteng Taxi Industry (GTI) for their proactive measures that prevented a planned shutdown of minibus taxi services operated by the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association.
The Gauteng department of roads and transport received intelligence from law enforcement agencies. The information was a warning of the intended shutdown scheduled for Wednesday. This posed a threat to the daily commute for Soweto residents, particularly in Dube, Nancefield, Jabulani and Zola.
Ongoing dispute between taxi bodies to blame
The situation arose from the ongoing violent dispute between the Nancefield-Dube West Taxi Association and the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association over routes in the area. This according to the department.
“We commend the GTI for demonstrating leadership and responsible governance. Thereby averting disruptions to public transport in southern Johannesburg.
Their intervention spared commuters significant inconvenience. It enabled them to travel to their designated destinations without incident,” the MEC said.
GTI comprises the South African National Taxi Association and the National Taxi Alliance.
Collaborative effort by stakeholders commended
“The collaborative law enforcement efforts is led by Gauteng Community Safety and the Johannesburg Metro Police department. …Also the SAPS, and the Road Traffic Management Corporation. It will continue as part of ensuring the safety of residents.
“Law enforcement remains prepared to swiftly address any potential resurgence of violence during this period,” the department said.
The department will continue to hold public meetings to keep residents informed of developments regarding the matter.
Earlier in March, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) planned a taxi shutdown in Ekurhuleni. It asserted that the shutdown might continue if challenges remained unresolved.
Ekurhuleni strike averted
However, the taxi strike was resolved swiftly, and the minibus taxis returned to the road.
The taxi body had temporarily suspended taxi operations in parts of the province. These include Thembisa, Germiston, Benoni, Daveyton, Katlehong and Vosloorus. Other areas in the east of Johannesburg are also included.
At the time, Santaco spokesperson Rebecca Phala confirmed that some of the patrollers’ arrests were what led to the suspension of services.
They had been arrested after demanding a 30% of their shareholder share from JR Choeu Express.
- SAnews.gov.za
