The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Ms Mina Lesoma,  has welcomed the ministerial intervention in the matter between the City of Cape Town and the taxi industry. She said she hoped that the intervention will bring about long-term solutions towards the harmonisation between law enforcement and the taxi industry. 

Today is the third day of the taxi strike which started on Thursday afternoon when the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) instructed its drivers to withdraw their service. A number of busses were torched on day two of the strike and a driver of Golden Arrow Bus was reportedly shot in the leg. Passing cars in places like Phillipi and Dunoon were stoned. 

Ms Lesoma said criminality that included robbing of unsuspecting drivers, breaking into cars of people, stoning and burning of private vehicles as well as busses were unfortunate acts of criminality and should be condemned in the strongest terms.

“We call on the police to deal decisively with acts of criminality and thuggery. Innocent people are caught in a dicey situation which requires vigilance. Surely there has to be better ways to achieve the objectives for which the city intends to achieve without having ordinary citizens to endure the personal cost of these proportions,” added Ms Lesoma.

Ms Lesoma said criminality was not part of the strike and that taxi associations should distance themselves from criminals who were using the legitimate strike of the taxi industry for their nefarious objectives.

“We need to apologise to our people for having been unfortunately subjected to this. This situation emphasises the committee’s long held view of an integrated and fully functioning public transport that is safe, affordable and efficient. The last two days are evidence that a functioning rail in the Cape Flats is urgently needed and  we should spare no effort in bringing about an effective service.”

The dispute with the City of Cape Town followed an operation of the City law enforcement which saw minibus taxis being impounded for various transgressions. SANTACO announced on Thursday that its drivers will return to service on 9 August 2023.

Ms Lesoma said utterances attributed to City MMC JP Smith were reckless and should be withdrawn. The Minister of the Department of Transport, Ms Sindiswe Chikunga and her deputy, Mr Lisa Mangcu, facilitated negotiations last night with the industry and the City of Cape Town.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Mina Lesoma