KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu has assigned a high level team to intervene in resolving the current impasse between the community of Greater KwaDukuza and their local taxi association.
The MEC this morning received reports that the self-imposed suspension of taxi operations in KwaDukuza has angered the local communities, resulting in them boycotting local taxis. We have received reports that the community has barricaded the R103 demanding they should be provided with buses instead of taxis.
For the record, the MEC warned, when two weeks ago the operators embarked on this self-imposed withdrawal of services, that there would be discomfort to passengers who felt abandoned. This self-imposed withdrawal of services forced communities to endure sufferings as they have to travel long distances to work and other important destinations.
From the beginning, the Department of Transport held a view that this self-imposed withdrawal of services by the operators was unnecessary and uncalled for. The purported withdrawal of the service was in protest against the alleged “refusal” by the Department of Transport to issue operating licenses to the members of the KwaDukuza Taxi Association.
However, the reality is that such a statement is a fallacy and untruthful. The reality is that the department has fairly engaged with operators through their association and legal representatives. It was agreed among all parties that for the department to issue the operating licenses, it should be provided with all necessary documentation to facilitate the issuing of such operating licenses.
Unfortunately further communication with the operators failed to produce these critical documents that are a legal pre-requisite for the registration of operating licenses in KwaZulu-Natal and in South Africa. Up to now only less than a quarter of those who have lodged applications have submitted all relevant and necessary documentation from the KwaDukuza Taxi Association.
We can now confirm that for those who have complied with the requirements their licenses have been processed, approved and they now await collection.
“Despite this exhaustive process, the department is still committed to work with those who are willing to cooperate and comply with the legislative framework. I have deployed a team of high level officials to once again engage the leadership of the KwaDukuza Taxi association so that this matter could be speedily resolved.
Unfortunately we are morally and legislatively obliged not to allow unroadworthy vehicles to carry passengers, which could place communities in danger. In this case one of the critical documents required for this process is the submission of the roadworthy certificate. It is our hope that all parties involved in this matter speedily work towards an amicable solution.
Our concern is for both the safety of commuters and for the operators to operate freely and within the legal framework. Our team has also been tasked to engage with the commuters and their leadership to try and understand their concerns on this matter,” said Mchunu.
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Kwanele Ncalane
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