Taxis at major taxi ranks in and around Kempton disinfected

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport launched a programme to support taxi ranks in the fight against Covid-19 at Sangweni Taxi Rank in Thembisa on Monday.

The department partnered with Outsurance, SA Taxi Finance, Anglo Gold Ashanti, Clinix Health Group, Armscor and other arms of government.

Phalama Jacob Mamabolo, MEC for Public Transport and Road Infrastructure, spearheaded the programme and was joined by the City of Ekurhuleni Finance and Economic Development MMC Clr Doctor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.

Mamabolo said the aim was to clean, sanitise and disinfect taxis to protect commuters and taxi drivers from Covid-19.

“We have similar activities in the province and this will continue throughout April. Taxis will be sanitised and disinfected in the morning, afternoon and evening,” said Mamabolo.

“Taxi marshals and taxi bosses will oversee the cleanliness of taxis. The formula lasts for at least three days, so we believe safety is guaranteed.

“We have been working with Armscor in training taxi drivers. About 300 litres of sanitisers and 200 litres of disinfectants were manufactured in their laboratories in Centurion,” added the MEC.

“From Sangweni Taxi Rank, we are going to Oakmoor Taxi Rank and Kempton Park Taxi Rank as well. This is our way of reaching all the places with major taxi ranks.”

Mamabolo further warned those who did not comply with the lockdown regulations about the consequences.

“In Tshwane, six taxi drivers were arrested on April 5 for not complying. We ask our law enforcers to continue playing their role in making sure our citizens comply with the rules,” added Mamabolo.

Theo Malele, National Taxi Alliance spokesperson, said they supported government’s efforts 100 per cent, though the mass population still seemed to need more education on the coronavirus issue.

Matsidikanye Moswane, SA Taxi cooperate affairs executive, said the SA taxi industry had contributed R3-million for the safety of commuters and taxi drivers in the form of sanitisers and masks.

“In addition to the R3-million, we extended payment to all our operators for April. We have also been contributing to township education in partnership with the taxi association,” said Moswane.

Xhakaza said: “We appreciate the province for choosing us to launch the initiative. That being said, we as the City have implemented strategies to fight against the spread of the virus across all departments,” Xhakaza said.

“Our joint operation centre and 193 clinics have been functional, with over 400 beds for people who might be infected. Our medical and emergency services continue to be operational.

“We have also started handing over temporary working permits to local spaza shop owners and street vendors to sell essentials,” said Xhakaza.

The deputy minister of communications, Pinky Kekana, asked the community to remain on trustworthy news channels and platforms to avoid spreading fake news.

“It has come to our attention that there is false news circulating on social media platforms. We call on the community to be careful about their sources of information because people are being misled into doing things they shouldn’t be doing,” said Kekana.