MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure together with leaders from the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance today held a remembrance ceremony paying respect to victims of COVID-19 and gender-based violence at the Bosman Taxi rank.
Joined by drivers and marshals, the ceremony was held as part of the five days of mourning announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 11 November 2020.
“One of the best ways to honour the memory of those who have departed due to COVID-19 is to vow to never let our guard down in an effort to stop the spread of the Coronavirus,” said Mamabolo.
MEC Mamabolo also used the ceremony to also remember victims of taxi violence, especially in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality where there has been a spike in taxi killings.
In his capacity as Acting MEC for health, Mamabolo proceeded to the Tshwane District Hospital where he held an engagement with health workers.
In Gauteng 4989 people have demised as a result of COVID-19. The Gauteng Department of Health lost 45 employees to date.
“The health workers who died did not die in vain. They lost their lives in the line of duty working hard to ensure that we minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We owe them a debt of gratitude and we need to continue working hard to stop the spread of Coronavirus in their honour.
“Equally so, many members of society succumbed to COVID-19. We remember them today and in their memory each member of the community must continue to observe the non-pharmaceutical interventions such as keeping to physical distancing, maintaining regular hand hygiene, and wearing a mask,” said the MEC.
Addressing the taxi industry leaders, MEC Mamabolo urged them to continue to comply with the basic protocols of COVID-19 and be extra cautious during the festive season due to expected volumes of movement in and out of the province.
"We are appealing to the taxi industry to comply with COVID-19 and law enforcement regulations, refrain from taxi violence and to make sure they protect themselves and commuters against COVID-19," said Mamabolo.
MEC Mamabolo further stated that it is important during this period to also ensure that government intensifies its work with all stakeholders to put an end to GBV which has been described as the second pandemic ravaging our society.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on 11 November that Cabinet has decided that from the 25th to 29th of November, the nation should embark on five days of mourning in remembrance of all those who have departed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and gender-based violence.
During this period the national flag will fly at half-mast throughout the country from 6am to 6pm.
Various activities will be held to mourn and signify our respect for those who have departed.
Enquiries:
Melitah Madiba
Cell: 073 644 9935
Theo Nkonki
Cell: 082 719 6404
E-mail : PressOffice.gpdrt@gauteng.gov.za
