Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, has condemned in the strongest possible terms yesterday’s shooting of two taxi drivers at the Mall of Africa.
Vadi expressed his sincerest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the victims killed in this criminal act of violence.
“We are deeply disappointed that the shootings occurred just a few days after the Gauteng Provincial Government held a successful Taxi Indaba where issues relating to the taxi industry and taxi violence were discussed,” he said.
“Government has appointed four senior religious leaders from the South African Council of Churches in an effort to broker an agreement between the Alexandra Taxi Association and ARMSTA in an effort to prevent further violence,” said Vadi.
“We urge the interested parties to continue with efforts to resolve disputes peacefully. Government will not be deterred by dark and hidden forces using violence to derail efforts aimed at the restoration of peace and good relationships between the two associations,” Vadi said.
Meanwhile, Vadi commended South African National Taxi Council (Gauteng) for suspending its strike action, which was set to take place today.
“We commend the responsible leadership displayed by SANTACO (Gauteng). Their decision to call off the planned strike after discussions with the Premier shows commitment to resolving their concerns in a constructive manner. We are confident that the concerns of the industry will be addressed fully at the Taxi Summit set to take place later this month,” Vadi said.
Furthermore, following the discussions at the Taxi Indaba, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport will embark on a Minibus Taxi Operating Licensing Outreach Programme at various licensing offices in each region. The outreach programme is aimed at dealing with issues relating to the fast-tracking of outstanding licensing applications that meet compliance requirements.
The Licensing Offices to be visited are as follows:
1. Venue: West Rand - Cnr 6th and Park Street, Randfontein
Date: 11-12 July 2016
Time: 09h00
2. Venue: Sedibeng Region, Emfuleni City Hall
Date: 13-14 July 2016
Time: 9h00
3. Venue: Ekurhuleni Germiston TOLAB No. 1 Hardach Street
Date: 19-20 July 2016
Time: 09h00
4. Venue: Tshwane No. 345 Eski’a Mphahlele and Johannes Ramokhoase Streets
Date: 21-22 July 2016
Time: 09h00
5. Venue: Johannesburg, Derek Masoek, No. 37 Village Road, Cnr Loveday Road
Date: 25-26 July 2016
Time: 09h00
Enquiries:
Melitah Madiba
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 060 520 1820
