A three-day minibus taxi task team workshop is due to start in Cape Town this morning with the aim of addressing months of disagreements between the industry and local government.
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Earlier this month, the taxi umbrella body, Santaco, went on an unannounced, eight-day-long taxi stayaway that was marred by chaos and violence, including the deaths of five people.
The protest action was over the impounding of minibus taxis, especially in Cape Town, by law enforcement authorities, leaving tens of thousands of commuters in the lurch and resulting in damage to property and infrastructure worth millions.
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Subsequently, Santaco and local government authorities have agreed to go back to the negotiating table to iron out some of the pressing issues.
‘It is clear by the progress made that the city, province and Santaco Western Cape are collectively invested in seeing the people of Cape Town making use of an efficient, stable and reliable public transport service,’ said MMC for mobility, Rob Quintas.
The Western Cape provincial government reported that the taxi strike had substantial economic repercussions, resulting in billions in losses to the economy and daily losses of R16 million for taxi operators.
Western Cape Mobility MEC, Ricardo McKenzie, disclosed that 38% of businesses faced challenges in maintaining their daily operations, 72% experienced declines in revenue and 19% witnessed more than a 50% drop in their daily income.
The adverse effects were particularly felt in economically disadvantaged areas, where 16% of businesses reported difficulties in transporting workers from Khayelitsha.
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Also read:
Significant impact of taxi strike, estimated costs in billions, says WCG
Picture: Markus Winkler / Unsplash