Fourways’ illegal taxi ranks continue to live by their own rules
Despite a recent JMPD-led clean-up, illegal taxi operations have resurfaced at the busy intersection of Witkoppen Road and Winnie Mandela Drive, just across the street from the original site.
The ongoing saga of illegal taxi operations at the intersection of Witkoppen Road and Winnie Mandela Drive near Fourways Mall has taken a new turn.
Following a recent clean-up effort by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Fourways Improvement District, and Ward 94 councillor David Foley to remove taxi drivers and hawkers, taxi drivers have returned.
Read more: Taxi association complains that law enforcement is singling them out
This time, they have moved their illegal rank to the opposite side of the road, continuing to cause chaos and safety concerns for commuters and residents.
Residents and motorists have expressed frustration over the persistent problem.
Lovemore Robson, who regularly cleans the area, said, “These taxis don’t only cause traffic and chaos in the area, but they also make the area dirty. I have tried to speak with the rank managers, and their response is always the same: they say they don’t have anywhere else to go.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Taxis parking illegally in Fourways has rubbed the residents the wrong way. Despite being recently removed by JMPD, the taxi operators continue to do as they please. #Fourways #JMPD ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
“To try to minimise the dirt in the area, I always leave bins and plastic so they throw their litter inside, but we always find the place dirty. Some even say they are creating employment/work for us because if they clean up the place, what are we going to do?”
Foley confirmed that he is aware of the new developments and is working on long-term solutions.
“According to Section 47 of the Gauteng Transport legislation, it specifically says that no food trailers, hawkers, etc are allowed on a provincial road.”
Foley confirmed that there will be another operation to clean up the area, as he is working with the Gauteng MEC of Roads and Transport, and taxi associations to resolve this issue.
“What Fourways needs is a taxi hub/ taxi rank where the taxis can park and street vendors can operate. But for now, I will keep cleaning up the area and enforce the city by-laws to keep the area clean,” added Foley.
Fourways Review reached out to Xolani Fihla, JMPD spokesperson and Mbuzeni Muhlongo of Alexandra Taxi Association on August 5, and has been following up. More information will be provided once it becomes available.
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