MEC Ismail Vadi on reopening Tsakane Taxi Rank

MEC Vadi re-opens Tsakane Taxi Rank

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, this morning announced that the Tsakane Taxi Rank will be re-opened for public transport operations as from midday today. 

This decision comes after the Greater Brakpan Taxi Association (GBTA), the SANTACO- Ekurhuleni Regional Council and representatives of the Concerned Group of Drivers jointly signed a peace agreement late yesterday evening in the presence of departmental officials and law enforcement personnel. 

In terms of the joint declaration the parties have agreed to the following:

• The removal of armed security guards from taxi ranks in the Greater Brakpan area and declaring of taxi ranks as “gun free zones”;
• A commitment by all parties to end violence in the taxi industry in the area; and
• An adherence to the officially determined conditions of Operating Licenses by taxi operators in the area.

Furthermore, the SANTACO-Ekurhuleni Regional Executive Council will be responsible for facilitating the peaceful resolution of any further operational disputes between the Greater Brakpan Taxi Association and the Concerned Group of Drivers, and will report on progress in this regard to the Department of Roads and Transport within 30 days.

Vadi said that the agreement is a “step in the right direction”. 

“This creates the possibility for the normalization of public transport services in Brakpan and Tsakane. I have therefore determined that the Tsakane Taxi Rank will be re-opened by midday today and minibus taxi services will resume in the area,” said Vadi. 

Law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor the area. 

The Greater Brakpan Taxi Association has apologized to the commuters and the Ekurhuleni community for the inconvenience, disruptions and loss of life caused as a result of the recent tragic events. 
For more information, contact the Department of Roads and Transport Media Liaison Officer
Ms Melitah Madiba
Cell: 073 644 9935