Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga addressed the ongoing taxi strikes this afternoon.
After condemning the violence and stating that the government is deeply concerned, Chikunga emphasised that she has personally intervened and sought out solutions, including meetings with the taxi industry and the City.
Chikunga then called on the City to release impounded taxis.
The minister of transport emphasised that the National Land Transport Act (2009), which prescribes when you can impound taxis, is not being abided by.
Chikunga said that the City has introduced sanctions that do not exist, and she, therefore, called for impounded taxis to be released.
Chikunga also commented on the arrogance of the City to implement such a procedure and said that JP Smith is ‘not God’.
JP Smith responded with a statement, questioning why Minister Chikunga is ‘trying to incite further violence by making false statements.’
‘Please can the public help us, whoever is closest to the Minister, lean over and explain to her very slowly,’ Smith said.
‘No minibus taxi has ever been impounded within Cape Town because of a by-law. Never.’
Smith says that taxis have only ever been impounded under Chikunga’s National Land Transport Act. ‘It’s her act. From 2009. If it is illegal, how come she only decided this today? After 14 years?’
Meanwhile, acts of violence continue across the Western Cape. Read running updates here.
Also read:
Taxi strike update: Violence flares up in parts of Cape Town
Picture: JP Smith / Facebook
