Minister Mbalula meets transport stakeholders in Eastern Cape: East London
“We will not resolve conflict by killing each other”, warns Minister Mbalula
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has met with various stakeholders in the Autopax and taxi industry dispute.
The Minister – accompanied by Eastern Cape Safety MEC Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe – met with officials from the Border Alliance, Uncedo Taxi Association, SANTACO, PRASA, Autopax, NUMSA, SATAWU and EC Small Bus Operators.
Issues raised include allegations of unfair completion in the pubic transport sector as well as route control. The meeting is part of the Minister’s intervention in the wake of violent clashes, the murder of an Autopax employee and strike action, as a result of tension in the Eastern Cape public transport sector.
Minister Mbalula has called for dialogue: “Disagreements will arise from time to time, that is understandable. What is unacceptable is the phenomenon of resolving conflict through the barrel of a gun. Protests are welcome but the destruction of infrastructure or economic sabotage is intolerable”.
The Minister described the meeting as watershed, adding that it will lead to broader discussions going forward, wherein the future of the taxi industry as well as the Integrated Transport System will be addressed.
“We must begin to talk to each other and not passed each other. The taxi industry is growing and as it grows so does its challenges. We will not resolve conflict by killing each other”, said Minister Mbalula.
The Minister called on officials to urgently compile an agreement that will assist in the maintenance of peace. He also pledged to return to the Eastern Cape to assess progress in the peace process.
