The chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Transport, Public Service and Administration, and Public Works and Infrastructure Kenneth Mmoiemang on Friday called on leadership of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) and the City of Cape Town to intervene in the taxi strike currently impacting residents.

The strike has left thousands of Cape Town residents who rely on public transport, including workers and school children, stranded.

Santaco chairperson Mandla Hermanus has said his members will continue to protest until August 10 if the City does not stop impounding their taxis “for no reason”.

Mmoiemang said the greatest impact of the strike was on poor people who have no alternative forms of transport and have to commute long distances to and from work.

There have been reports that the Western Cape government is calling for talks as the strike has turned violent, with buses and trucks torched.

The chairperson further called on leaders to show leadership and not subject commuters to further violence and strife.

“Issues are understandable but there are times when leaders need to be above and make unpopular concessions. It cannot be an approach that says, ‘we will show you’ or ‘we are untouchable',” said Mmoiemang.

He also called on employers to be considerate and not risk the lives of employees. He also encouraged working from home where possible and cautioned against acts of vandalism.