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Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, has, in terms of section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, published a notice in the provincial gazette indicating his intention to close all affected NANDUWE and WATA taxi ranks and routes in Soweto.

This extraordinary legal measure follows the dispute and resulting violent conflicts between the two associations, which have been on-going for months despite all efforts to resolve the matter. The measure will also apply to any joint venture arrangements entered into by the affected associations.

In terms of the notice affected and interested persons are requested to submit their written responses or representations to the notice on or before 3 July 2017.

Depending on the outcome of representations made to Vadi, the affected taxi routes might be closed for public road passenger services for the next month.

If Vadi proceeds with the intended closures taxi services along the affected routes in Soweto will be suspended from 6 July 2017 until 6 August 2017. During this period, no person shall be allowed to undertake passenger road transport services on the affected routes.

Vadi said that the implementation of the Section 79 ruling of the Provincial Regulatory Entity earlier this month has not helped to stabilise transport operations in the area.

“The provincial government cannot tolerate a situation where alleged hitmen have been hired to attack taxi drivers, commuters and taxi operators with impunity,” said Vadi.

“Our communities are being intimidated by criminal thugs that have infiltrated the taxi industry. I have discussed this matter with my Cabinet colleague, MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, and we are clear that the law enforcement agencies will come down hard on those who perpetrate acts of violence in the taxi industry,” he added.

Interested and affected persons are requested to submit their written responses or representations on or before 03 July 2017 to the following contact details:

Issued by Gauteng Roads and Transport