Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, today announced that he will not be shutting down taxi operations after meeting directly with leaders of taxi associations from Mamelodi, Reiger Park, Vosloorus and Emfuleni.
In the wake of an upsurge in taxi related violence that has seen an increase in the killing of taxi leaders, drivers and commuters in recent months, Vadi had published notices in the provincial gazette two weeks ago declaring his intention to close down taxi operations in these areas and inviting affected parties to make representations to him indicating why such a decision should not be taken.
He said such drastic measures were necessary to bring an end to spate of shootings in which several taxi leaders, drivers and passengers were killed over the past few months.
“The law empowers the MEC to shut down taxi operations if there is violence, unrest and instability in the industry which threaten public and commuter safety,” said Vadi.
In terms of the National Land Transport Act, provincial MECs for Transport are empowered to terminate taxi operations if conditions of violence, unrest or instability persist in the industry.
Vadi confirmed that he had received extensive and detailed submissions from the Mamelodi Amalgamated Taxi Association (MATA); the Mamelodi Local and Long Distance Taxi Association (MALDTA); the Reiger Park and District Taxi Association; the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance; and the ANC-Grace Flathela Parliamentary Constituency Office expressing serious concerns about the adverse impact of a total closure of taxi services on communities, particularly during the festive season.
He had also met with his transport counterparts from Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Sedibeng and Emfuleni, including the SAPS, to get their assessment of the situation before arriving at the decision to keep taxi ranks open.
“After having considered the submissions and getting firm commitments from the leaders of local taxi associations in the affected areas dissociating themselves from taxi violence, I have determined that taxi operations should continue as normal,” said Vadi.
In his meeting with the leadership of local taxi associations an agreement was reached that the associations will:
- condemn all acts of violence and/or intimidation by any of their members and/or persons associated with the taxi industry;
- not allow any person/s from operating at taxi ranks and on routes if they are not in possession of valid permits and/or Operating Licenses;
- abide by Court Decision/s in respect of disputed taxi routes;
- not support the use of armed private security companies to ‘protect’ rival factions within and across taxi associations;
- strive at all times to place first the interests and safety of commuters;
- co-operate with the law enforcement agencies in respect of criminal investigations into taxi killings; and
- Will work with the Head of Department to identify and to report public servants who are alleged to have been involved in issuing fraudulent operating licenses and route allocations.
Enquiries:
Octavia Mamabolo
Tel: 011 355 7300
Cell: 082 316 8666
E-mail: Octavia.Mamabolo@gauteng.gov.za
