Passengers around Limpopo can rest assured of their safety after Great North Transport (GNT) and Santaco-Limpopo reached an amicable agreement aimed at rebuilding a workable solution to address concerns over route operations.
The agreement was signed in Polokwane in the presence of both Santaco and GNT officials in what both described as “historic”.
It comes after last month GNT was forced to halt its services in Moletji and the surrounding areas outside Polokwane. This after they claimed that their buses, drivers, and commuters were being attacked by rogue elements.
GNT accused taxi operators of harassment
The company’s chief operating officer, Mahlako Mogoashane, accused a group of taxi operators of repeatedly targeting their buses. Some of them were stoned.
GNT, which was over the years fraught with problems, among them the much-talked-about failure to pay former staff members their pension payouts, was represented by its CEO, Dr Matata Mokoele, while Santaco-Limpopo was represented by its chairperson, Lesiba Ngwepe.
Both parties agreed to honour the agreement and committed to intensifying efforts to build a focused collaborative relationship that benefits the Limpopo community.
Santaco-Limpopo and GNT share a responsibility to transport communities across the province. Their joint efforts are expected to bring much-needed stability to the transport industry.
Sealed agreement to work together
Said Mokoele: “We are pleased to sign this agreement which aims to pave the way for a smooth operation between Santaco-Limpopo and GNT. And we remain committed to working with the taxi industry for the benefit of our people.”
Santaco’s Ngwepe applauded GNT for initiating the process. He encouraged the company to honour the agreement.
“We are equally excited about this latest development and the significance of the agreement. This also highlighted the need for ongoing communication. It is very important to work and grow together,” said Ngwepe.
Under the agreement, GNT and Santaco will facilitate effective engagement with affected taxi associations. This will include other relevant stakeholders regarding the reintroduction of GNT services. Both parties agreed to prioritise the reintroduction of GNT on identified routes that have historically been underserviced. And there was also input from Santaco.
GNT will collaborate closely with Santaco-Limpopo and other stakeholders. This to ensure that the processes are efficiently managed and clearly communicated.
Santaco-Limpopo has also committed to engaging with District Taxi Councils and affected taxi associations. The commitment will ensure a transparent and well-documented transition of operations.
