Ignatius Jacobs, at the Bree Street Taxi Rank Cleansing Ceremony
26 October 2007
Programme Director
Friends
Colleagues
Ladies and gentlemen
We are gathered here to contribute to nation building and to actualise the
vision expressed in our country's constitution, that of building a caring
society that is united and prosperous, founded on the principles of equality
before the law and a constitutionally enshrined right to life. We are all
gathered here, in the company of traditional healers and leaders of faith based
organisations, to pay our respects to those many members of our communities who
have lost their lives and to also help restore human dignity.
We are here to summon the collective spirit of ubuntu in all our communities
to help our country to rid itself of a violent society that settles it disputes
through the barrel of a gun, instead of seeking to resolve differences through
dialogue and debate, informed by a common love for our people and our country.
We are here to send a message to the people of our country and the community of
Gauteng, that we are all committed to the creation of safe and sustainable
communities across our land and to the creation of conditions where all our
people shall live in safety, free from harm and needless death.
Over the last six months more than 12 people have lost their lives at this
public transport facility. Many others were also injured. Most of these people
were taxi operators and taxi commuters, breadwinners, fathers and leaders of
local taxi associations who were in the business of transporting our various
communities to work, to school and to places of recreation. We also gather to
say to their families, especially their children that our country rejects and
condemns violence in the strongest possible terms.
The taxi industry provides a vital service to more than 65% of people who
use public transport. It is therefore even more important to ensure that the
service that the industry renders to the communities is characterised by
safety, affordability, accessibility, comfort and environmental sustenance. The
development of the taxi industry cannot be accompanied by violence. Even a
dispute over a route can never be a justification for a violent solution.
Let me also state and make it categorically clear that there are no routes
currently in dispute in our province. The Public Transport Registrar has made
his determinations on all routes and has also made rulings on those routes that
were previously in dispute. Our position, as government, is that we will ensure
that all persons found to be directly or indirectly involved in violence will
face definite prosecution.
This industry was built over many years from the pockets of some of our most
selfless and dedicated entrepreneurs, and together, we must help those peace
loving transport operators, businessman and businesswomen who want nothing but
progress and prosperity for our communities. Therefore, let us all work
together to ensure that this industry thrives, based on our collective belief
and knowledge that public transport is the future mode of travel for all our
people, even for 2010 and beyond. This can only succeed if it is characterised
by the Principles of Batho Pele, putting people first.
Together, let's use the strength of our voices to say enough is enough. Let
us break the cycle of violence. Our people must travel in conditions of safety.
Let the violence end now!
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works, Gauteng
Provincial Government
26 October 2007
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http:// www.gauteng.gov.za)
