Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, has today published Regulations in the Provincial Gazette invoking the extraordinary measures in declared areas provided for in Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act (2009) to close ranks and related routes operated by the Nancefield Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE) and Witwatersrand Taxi Association (WATA) in Soweto.
This comes after careful consideration of all representations received relating to the Notice of Intent to close minibus taxi ranks and related routes linked to both associations.
The affected ranks and routes are as follows:
1. Mofolo Kwa-Mthethwa Informal Taxi Rank;
2. Makhetha Stores Informal Taxi Rank;
3. Dube Station Taxi Rank;
4. Makhetha Garage (Phefeni) Taxi Rank; and
5. Uncle Tom’s Taxi Rank.
This extraordinary measure will take effect from 13 July until 13 August 2017.
This measure is supported by the City of Johannesburg and law enforcement agencies in the province.
The provisions of Section 91 of National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009 set out the basis on which particular ranks and routes in an area may be closed by the MEC responsible for public transport.
Circumstances warranting such extraordinary measures include violence, unrest or instability in any sector of the public transport industry in a declared area or between operators in an area; the safety of passengers using the relevant services or where the situation has deteriorated to an unacceptable level that closure of ranks and/or routes is required to normalise the situation.
We have concrete and credible evidence that the violence, unrest and instability are of such high level to justify extraordinary measures.
To date, law enforcement agencies are investigating at least 13 cases of murder, attempted murder, assault, damage to property and intimidation involving over 30 suspects and victims. These criminal acts have adversely affected innocent members of the public, commuters, taxi drivers and operators.
As recently as yesterday, heavily armed men allegedly linked to both WATA and NANDUWE had a confrontation in the affected area in the presence of law enforcement officers.
There have been instances of unlawful road blockades in the Johannesburg CBD leading to severe disruption of traffic and economic activities. The most recent was on Friday, 7 July 2017, where taxi drivers and operators claiming to be members of NANDUWE, and supported by heavily armed security guards, unlawfully and illegally blockaded several streets in the city.
Also, there were a number of other unreported instances of disruption of taxi services at the said ranks and routes.
It is in the public interest that we act now. As executive authorities for public transport and community safety, we are responsible for safety of commuters and the public at large at the ranks and along the routes. We firmly believe that the closure of the said routes and ranks is now necessary to achieve normality in the declared area.
At the same time, we believe that it is in the interest of the affected taxi associations that they play a positive and constructive role in guaranteeing the safety of those who use their services.
We also urge the leadership and membership of taxi associations to publicly dissociate themselves from criminal and unlawful acts that show wanton disregard for the safety and lives of innocent people. Such lawlessness is unacceptable under any circumstances. We, therefore, call on the leadership and membership of the two Associations to play their part in maintaining order and safety in the declared areas by abiding by court orders and administrative rulings.
Our foundational value of the rule of law demands of us, as law-abiding people, to obey decisions made by those with the legal authority to do so.
We recognise that the closure of the said ranks and routes will inconvenience commuters and the community at large. Commuters are advised to use alternative public transport in Soweto such as rail, busses and Rea Vaya services.
Finally, we must indicate that any person who contravenes the published regulations and operates a minibus taxi service at the said ranks and routes is guilty of an offence. Where a person is convicted of contravening the regulation, a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding R25 000.00 may be imposed.
For more information please contact:
Ms Melitah Madiba
Cell: 073 644 9935
E-mail: melitah.madiba@gauteng.gov.za
