Minister Mbalula commends taxi industry rejection of national shutdown
Following calls by faceless sources for a national shutdown, I am pleased that the taxi industry took a decisive stance against participation in such a shutdown. I therefore commend the decision of the leadership of the taxi industry not to associate themselves with anarchy as a form of protest about escalating fuel prices. As government, we acknowledge the importance of the matter and its impact on the economy, industry and ordinary South Africans.
Government is seized with the matter with the seriousness it deserves in consultation with various stakeholders. We are under no illusion that solutions aimed at achieving economic recovery require collective engagement and open lines of communications. Meaningful solutions can therefore not be achieved through a shutdown, which has the effect of depressing economic activity further.
I extend my gratitude to the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and the taxi industry at large, for their commitment to dialogue with government on this pressing challenge.
Issued by: Fikile Mbalula
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
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081 562 3493
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