South African National Taxi Council in the Western Cape (SANTACO-WC) has been on a province-wide strike, which has resulted in violence, endangering the lives of commuters and damaging public property. To address the issues raised by the industry leaders, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde calls for peaceful negotiations and collaboration with the Western Cape Government (WCG) and the City of Cape Town (CoCT).
Working Together to Find Long-Term Solutions
Premier Winde recognizes the importance of the mini-bus taxi sector in public transport and the economy. However, he firmly believes that violent strikes are not the solution to address the long-standing issues plaguing the industry. The Premier is disappointed by SANTACO-WC’s withdrawal from the Minibus Taxi Task Team, which was established in good faith to find solutions to pressing issues.
Resorting to Violence Hinders Economic Growth
Resorting to violence can hinder economic growth and ultimately affect the impoverished population the most. The Premier believes that long-term solutions are desperately needed but cannot be achieved under the current circumstances. Violence is not the answer, and while the right to strike is acknowledged, endangering lives and destroying property is unacceptable.
Concern for the Safety of Commuters
The Premier expresses concern for the safety of commuters, who are the lifeblood of the taxi industry, and are currently suffering the consequences of the violent protests. Legal action is being considered against the mini-bus taxi associations to interdict the violence associated with the strike.
Minister of Mobility Hopes for Resumption of Task Team Work
Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie, sincerely hopes that SANTACO-WC will rejoin the negotiating table and resume the work of the Minibus Taxi Task Team. He acknowledges the complex challenges that mini-bus taxi operators face, linked to the broader transportation crisis in South Africa. He trusts that his colleagues in the national government will treat the matter of industry formalization as urgent and fulfill the commitments made in this regard.
Mobility Department Working to Resolve Challenges
The Mobility Department is diligently working with City officials to resolve ongoing challenges, such as the availability of operating licenses not meeting the demand for transport. The team is also addressing the issue of the B97 route as a matter of urgency. A recently completed survey will provide crucial information to determine any potential action required as the regulator.
WCG Dedicated to Assisting the Mini-Bus Taxi Industry
The WCG is committed to assisting the mini-bus taxi industry in any possible way. An optimally functioning and regulated taxi industry will ultimately benefit everyone, as Premier Winde emphasizes. The time has come for peaceful negotiations and collaborative problem-solving to pave the way for a better future in public transportation.
