The Western Cape Government (WCG) and the City of Cape Town have recently released a joint statement expressing their optimism in resolving the minibus-taxi strike issue.
Formalizing Terms
The statement highlighted the opportunity to formalize the exact terms agreed upon between the city, the WCG, and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) through an order of the high court.
Benefits of Formalization
It is believed that this move will prevent misinformation and reduce the potential for conflict between taxi operators and officers.
Impoundments
Impoundments will proceed under the National Land Transport Act for vehicles lacking an operating licence, driver’s licence, or PDP, or those deemed unroadworthy. Councillor Rob Quintas, the city’s mayoral committee member for urban mobility, emphasized the mutual commitment to maintaining peace, ensuring that Cape Town’s citizens can travel efficiently, safely, and with dignity.
Concerns over Misleading Information
The half-dozen vehicles impounded during the previous weekend were found to align with the specified violations. Ricardo Mackenzie, the Western Cape’s minister of mobility, expressed his concern about misleading information regarding a moratorium on all impoundments, which could lead to confrontations between officers and minibus taxi drivers or operators.
Priority of Collaboration
The main priority is to work collaboratively as government and industry leaders, offering commuters safe, reliable, and affordable transport options.
Specific Points of the Agreements
The endorsed agreement, which both the WCG and City aim to have judicially recognized, includes specific points addressing various concerns.
Minibus-Taxi Task Team
Firstly, the Minibus-Taxi Task Team, composed of representatives from Santaco, the City of Cape Town, and the Western Cape Government, will work together for a period of 14 days starting 14 August 2023. The team will seek agreement on offences that directly threaten commuter safety, warranting impoundment.
Standard Operating Procedure
This consensus will inform a standard operating procedure (SOP) to guide enforcement personnel’s actions in accordance with the National Land Transport Act and operating licence conditions.
Commuter Safety
The city remains committed to commuter safety. Impoundments will continue for vehicles operating without valid licences or permits, or those with inadequate roadworthiness.
Minor Offences
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has invited Santaco to submit specific cases of vehicles impounded for offences not directly impacting commuter safety. In such cases, the city will make representations to the public prosecutor for the release of these vehicles only, provided that the city and Santaco agree on the classification of minor offences.
Strike Protocols and Resolution
In terms of strike protocols and resolution, Santaco commits to providing at least 36 hours’ notice before initiating future strike actions. This measure aims to prevent a recurrence of stranded commuters walking home, as seen during the previous strike. Moreover, a dispute escalation and resolution clause will be established, enabling matters to be elevated to the Premier and Mayor before strike action.
Preventing Taxi-Related Violence
The joint statement concluded with a reminder that preventing taxi-related violence is the agreement’s foundation. Should such violence reoccur, the agreement will be nullified.
