In response to the recent taxi strike in Cape Town that led to violence and infrastructure damage, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced that it will submit an ethics complaint against the National Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga. The DA’s Shadow Minister of Transport, Dr. Chris Hunsinger, accused Chikunga of supporting the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Western Cape, prompting the DA to file a complaint with the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests.
Chikunga’s Accusations Against City of Cape Town
The issue began when Chikunga accused the City of Cape Town of using incorrect by-laws to impound 6,000 taxis, demanding their immediate release. However, Hunsinger stated that Chikunga incorrectly backed Santaco and the taxi operators and that her call for the release of impounded taxis was based on a false pretext. Hunsinger clarified that the impounding was done according to the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) and consistent with legislation governing the industry.
City of Cape Town’s Response
During the week, the City of Cape Town remained committed to the safety of its citizens, refusing to yield to pressure from Santaco or the Minister and rejecting violence as a negotiation tactic. The City acted in the interest of all parties involved.
DA’s Criticism of Chikunga’s Remarks
Hunsinger harshly criticized Chikunga’s comments, suggesting that they were not a misjudgment but a calculated political move to benefit the African National Congress (ANC) in the upcoming elections. He claimed that such opportunistic behavior was irresponsible and unethical, violating the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests of Parliament.
DA’s Ethics Complaint
The DA will submit an ethics complaint, arguing that Chikunga’s intentional dissemination of falsehoods violated the principles of the Code and failed to uphold the law, undermining the integrity of Parliament. Hunsinger emphasized that this matter goes beyond politics, touching on the core values of democracy itself.
Public Officials’ Role in Times of Crisis
The incident has sparked a debate on the role of public officials during times of crisis and how their actions can significantly impact public perception and safety.
