The Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town have released a joint statement welcoming the opportunity to formalise the terms of the agreement that concluded the minibus-taxi strike through an order of the high court.
‘This will put an end to misinformation about the exact terms agreed to between the city, the WCG and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) and will lessen the potential for conflict between taxi operators and officers on the road,’ the statement reads.
Also read: Santaco seeks court action against the City over weekend impoundments
In the statement, the Western Cape Government and the City claimed that the interdict application put forth by Santaco presents an opportunity to formalise the complete terms of the agreement within the court’s jurisdiction today.
‘As per the agreement signed by all parties, impoundments continue under the National Land Transport Act for vehicles driving without an operating licence, driver’s licence, or PDP, or which are not roadworthy. This will strengthen our mutual commitment to maintaining peace as the people of Cape Town are able to travel through the city efficiently, safely and with dignity,’ said the city’s mayoral committee member for urban mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.
The half-dozen vehicles that have remained impounded since the previous weekend reportedly align with the designated infractions: operating without a valid licence, driver’s licence or PDP, or lacking roadworthiness.
‘Making the agreement an order of court today will put an end to misinformation about the exact terms agreed to. We have been concerned about misleading information circulating about a moratorium on all impoundments, which is not correct and creates the conditions for confrontation between officers and minibus taxi drivers or operators. Our priority is to continue working together as government and industry leaders to ensure that commuters have safe, reliable and affordable transport options,’ said the Western Cape’s minister of mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie.
The previously endorsed agreement, which both the WCG and City intend to have judicially recognised today, included the following points:
- For a period of 14 days, starting Monday, 14 August 2023, the Minibus-Taxi Task Team (comprising representatives of Santaco, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government) will jointly seek agreement on what offences directly threaten commuter safety and warrant impoundment. This will inform a standard operating procedure (SOP) to guide enforcement personnel’s actions as per the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) and operating licence conditions. The city’s unwavering commitment to commuter safety means that all traffic offences impacting safety should continue to meet the penalty of impoundment.
- Impoundments will continue for vehicles operating without valid licences or permits or inadequate roadworthiness.
- Santaco has been invited by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to submit specific cases of vehicles they claim to have been impounded for offences that do not directly impact commuter safety. If indeed these cases exist, the city will make representations to the public prosecutor for the release of these impounded vehicles only. It is important to emphasise that the city must be in agreement with Santaco regarding what offences are regarded as minor.
- Strike Protocols and Resolution: Santaco commits to providing a minimum of 36 hours notice before initiating future strike actions, ensuring no repeat of the terrible scenes of last Thursday evening, with stranded commuters walking home. Additionally, a dispute escalation and resolution clause will be established, allowing matters to be elevated to the Premier and Mayor before strike action.
The statement concluded with a reiteration that this entire agreement hinges on the prevention of taxi-related violence and that the revival of such violence will nullify the agreement.
Also read:
Crime spiked during violent taxi strike says minister of police
Picture: JP Smith / Facebook
