The Presiding Officers of Parliament have expressed grave concerns at the violence, road closures and vandalism of vehicles attributed to the ongoing South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) strike in Cape Town.

Santaco commenced with the industrial action last week over the city’s impoundment of some of its fleet and newly updated traffic by-laws which grant the city power to impound vehicles for offences such as driving without a licence, not displaying registration details and overloading.

“We call for an urgent and peaceful resolution to the impasse between the City of Cape Town and the South African National Taxi Council. We recognise that the taxi industry plays a vital role in the transportation of millions of South Africans daily, and we urge all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue to find common ground and resolve the issues at hand,” said Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo.

The presiding officers also bemoaned the loss of lives and expressed sympathies to all of the bereaved families. The presiding officers advised protestors to act responsibly and to respect the rule of law and the rights of others while expressing their demands.

“The impact of this strike extends beyond the transportation sector. The disruption of schooling for approximately 287 420 learners and the strain placed on health and emergency services is deeply concerning. The free movement of people, access to essential services, and economic activities within the city have been severely affected, causing untold hardship for residents and businesses alike,” said Mothapo.

Parliament is calling for all parties to find lasting solutions to the crisis through a dialogue that is built on understanding and cooperation, ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.