Cape Town – Taxi commuters in the Western Cape will face a complete halt of taxi services as the provincial taxi leadership decided to suspend all operations due to violent clashes between taxi drivers and law enforcement officials in Cape Town.
The clashes were triggered by the impoundment of minibus taxis by the City of Cape Town, leading to protests and arrests of at least 27 taxi drivers, EWN reported.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Western Cape has taken the decision to suspend all taxi services, which will take effect from Thursday afternoon.
The leadership of SANTACO at national level and all levels of the Western Cape province as supported by civil society and other formations are gathered for a community meeting during which the leadership will announce how they intend to resolve the stand off with City of CT. pic.twitter.com/b8HAgilvb2
— SANTACO (@SA_Taxis) August 3, 2023
Santaco provincial chairperson Mandla Hermanus said the stayaway would continue until next week Wednesday.
“But members must expect that going forward we might just meet with all the regional chairpersons and announce a day of stayaway,” the report quoted Hermanus as saying.
Commuters will need to find alternative transport during this period of suspension.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said she had noted with deep concern the incidents of violence in Cape Town.
She called on the taxi industry to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations governing their operations.
“Adherence to these regulations not only promotes safety but also demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and accountability. All stakeholders must work together to foster an environment where the rights and responsibilities of both operators and passengers are upheld.
“I appeal to taxi associations, law enforcement agencies and all relevant parties to prioritise the well-being of the public and work towards finding a resolution that respects the rule of law. All parties must act responsibly and in the best interests of the passengers and the broader community,” the minister said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
