Commuters in the Western Cape have been warned to brace themselves for a possible taxi strike starting on Monday and set to last indefinitely.
Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Urban Development, Brett Herron, says the City was informed that the minibus taxi industry may withhold their services.
ALERT: Brett Herron, City's Mayco Member. Photo: TRACEY ADAMS/ INLSA
“I am perturbed by this news that one of our most important partners in the public transport sector may withdraw its services and leave thousands of commuters stranded at the start of a new work week,” Herron says.
“I understand the reasons for this possible action are related to delayed internal industry leadership elections.
“It is also uncertain whe-
ther all of the local
minibus-taxi associations will participate, and whe-
ther those who opt to continue with their services will be allowed to do so without being intimidated.”
He added that MyCiTi bus users should prepare for possible delays.
Nazeem Abdurahman, the second Deputy Chairman of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) says the strike was called by a splinter group which was suspended from the council and now wants to cause chaos.
“People are being poached by this splinter group which has been suspended by the council.
“It was not long ago when we sat down with a mediator, facilitated by Minister [of Transport and Public Works] Donald Grant,” he says.
“This group was then unhappy with the findings of the mediation and the court’s findings and walked out of the meeting.
“Every four years it is the same situation with the same people. They are fighting for positions within Santaco.”
Grant, says he will not have a repeat of last year’s violent protests where commuters were injured and buses burnt.
“The Provincial Taxi Registrar has sent a letter to all taxi associations requesting them to refrain from withdrawing their services, intimidating other operators and damaging vehicles and property.
“Any violation of the Code of Conduct for minibus-taxi operators and/or operating licence conditions may result in the de-registration of the association and the withdrawal of operating licences,” Grant said.
Authorities will be on alert.
The Daily Voice tried contacting the Cata and Codeta taxi associations, which are believed to be spearheading the strike, but all calls went unanswered.