The City of Cape Town has released a statement noting Santaco’s intention to implement stay-away action in the Western Cape later this week or early next week.
In light of the potential strike, the City issued a stern warning, urging the minibus-taxi industry to refrain from violence, attacks on other public transport operators, intimidation and traffic disruptions.
The City stated that while it respects the right to peaceful protest and strike action, any form of thuggish behaviour will not be tolerated. It claimed that Santaco will be held accountable for any losses and damages that may occur.
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According to the City, minibus-taxi operators have already blocked roads around the Station Deck minibus-taxi facility, causing disruptions to MyCiTi buses and other vehicles exiting the central business district via Nelson Mandela Boulevard and the N2 highway.
Law enforcement is currently present at the scene.
The City’s mayoral committee member for urban mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, called for calm within the minibus-taxi industry and urged Santaco to resume constructive engagement with the City and the Western Cape Government (WCG). The City and the WCG had previously sent proposals to address some of Santaco’s concerns, such as the impoundment of vehicles operating illegally without proper licences or contrary to their licence conditions.
According to the statement, to protect human lives and public and private property, the City is prepared to apply for an interdict if necessary. The illegal blockade in the CBD during peak hours this afternoon indicates that if the strike proceeds, it could impact MyCiTi N2 Express routes, particularly those between the Civic Centre MyCiTi station and Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha, as well as other routes across Cape Town to a lesser degree.
The City said that it would make operational decisions in the best interest of the safety and security of commuters and employees. Regular patrols by law enforcement will reportedly be conducted to monitor routes.
As a precautionary measure, MyCiTi commuters and those relying on the minibus-taxi industry for transportation are advised to anticipate possible delays in the coming days and plan their travel accordingly.
The City concluded by stating that it would keep the public informed throughout this situation to ensure minimal disruptions and the smooth functioning of transportation services.
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