There is still no agreement between the leaders of Cape Town’s taxi industry to resolve the violence that has claimed the lives of more than 70 people since the beginning of the year.
Transport MEC, Daylin Mitchell and National Minister, Fikile Mbalula have been in several meetings since Friday, July 16, with members belonging to the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta) to find a solution regarding certain routes in the province.
According to MEC Mitchell, after several discussions to find a solution between the two taxi associations there has still been no official agreement, News 24 reports.
Mitchell says that if the ongoing taxi violence does not stop he will have no other option but to invoke Section 91 of the National Transport Act in the interest of keeping commuters and communities safe.
Mbalula added that these two associations have a history of violence and conflict, that goes back many years, precipitated by disputes over lucrative routes and ranking facilities.
“Such conflict not only puts the lives of innocent people on the line but also undermines the rights of citizens. The right to life is sacrosanct and must be protected at all costs.”
He says, the department wants to send a stern warning to all those who believe they have the right to kill or destroy property in order to achieve their narrow self-serving interests.
“We will not hesitate to unleash the full might of the law to protect the rights of the commuting public and our communities,” Mbalula reiterated.
Meanwhile, the significant increase in SAPS and law enforcement presence has brought calm to taxi ranks across the City, with Premier Alan Winde calling for additional SANDF boots on the ground.
Golden Arrow Bus Services also indicated that they are now operating at 80 – 85% of their regular service schedule after buses to several routes were limited since Monday, July 19.
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“Still a few gaps but we are doing our best to cover all areas” says Golden Arrow
Picture: Wikimedia Commons