Minister calls on Mall of Africa taxi drivers to behave
Failure by the industry to exercise restraint, will leave government with no option but to take drastic measures
The Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters, condemned acts of violence, anarchy and intimidation that have overwhelmed the Mall of Africa taxi route in which operators and associations fight for the new route to the mall.
Peters called for extensive behavioural transformation and attitude change in the taxi industry.
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“Failure by the industry to exercise restraint, will leave government with no option but to take drastic measures to protect commuters and the decorum of the industry,” she said.
“It is a truism to acknowledge that the taxi industry is one of the most important modes of transport in South Africa, providing employment to about 400 000 people and moving 68% of commuters to various destinations. As a result, we cannot allow rogue elements to destroy it.”
Peters further said while the majority of the taxi industry adhered to laws and regulations, it was disconcerting to concede that the clout and enormity of the taxi industry were undermined by the lawlessness and impunity with which some taxi operators and drivers conducted their business.
She called on the Gauteng Department of Transport to tighten the licensing regime by punishing transgressors and awarding good behaviour on the part of compliant operators and drivers and to ensure that law enforcement officers protected all commuters and public property.
The Minister called on the leadership of the industry to exercise restraint and co-operate with provincial authorities to ensure the safety of all stakeholders involved.
