The minibus taxi task team has effectively concluded its negotiations, ensuring the uninterrupted continuity of transportation services in the Western Cape.
These negotiations spanned over a period of more than four weeks and involved extensive discussions between the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape government and Santaco Western Cape.
‘All parties are satisfied that we have honoured our mutual commitment to safe, reliable and affordable transport for commuters. This demonstrates the possibilities for finding common ground when we meet around a table for constructive discussion,’ the task team disclosed in a joint statement.
Also read: Court order stops ‘EFF-style’ shutdown of Mitchells Plain businesses
The disagreement that prompted the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) to suspend its services in August was related to the impoundment of taxis and arose during a dispute with the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government. The dispute resulted in violence, leading to the loss of five lives. On the initial day of the service suspension, large numbers of people were left with no choice but to commute on foot due to the inadequate availability of public transportation.
According to News24, moving forward, the parties are set to proceed with the implementation phase of the mutually agreed-upon resolution, ensuring that transportation services continue without any interruptions. This implementation period is slated to last until November 30, 2023. During this time frame, the provincial regulatory body will conduct a comprehensive review of its operating licence conditions. The dedicated task team will continue its efforts to address pertinent issues within the industry.
Although the joint statement does not delve into the specifics of the agreement, a previous joint statement from August 31st indicated that they had reached a consensus on what constitutes just and rational consequences for most transgressions related to operating licence conditions. Taxi operators had voiced concerns that the city had been applying regulations in a subjective manner, leading to the impoundment of vehicles in situations that did not warrant such severe financial penalties for the owners.
The city’s actions were grounded in the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), specifically Section 50, which mandates that all public transport operators possess a valid operating licence or permit. Furthermore, Section 87 of the NLTA empowers traffic officers to impound public transport vehicles when the operator lacks the necessary licences or permits or is operating the vehicle in contravention of the conditions specified in the operating licence or permit.
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under R100 000. Find car listings here.
Santaco contended that authorities were extending the scope of these narrowly defined conditions, causing undue financial strain and putting their business operations at risk. The industry has collectively acknowledged that impoundment for certain offences, including operating without the necessary licences, driving permits or roadworthiness certificates, will remain in place.
In addition to these fundamental concerns, there are 46 operating licence conditions under scrutiny for potential revisions. These include regulations such as prohibiting smoking inside taxis, mandating the presence of three ‘no-smoking’ signs in each vehicle and requiring a fully stocked first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher at all times.
Other conditions address issues like the prohibition of offensive language within taxis or towards law enforcement officers and additional rules for long-distance taxis, such as maintaining a passenger list for emergencies and proper labelling of luggage.
Taxi operators argue that for such infractions, fines would be a more appropriate response than vehicle impoundment. As the stakeholders move forward, their focus remains on refining these conditions to ensure they are fair, rational and conducive to the sustainability of the taxi industry.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Appreciate the beauty of Cape Town with a 60-minute cruise for R155 (valued at R310). Get it here.
Also read:
SA Navy to rename parts of Simon’s Town base after lost submariners
Picture: JP Smith / Facebook