MEC Kaunda announces appointment of independent mediator to try and end taxi war in Ladysmith

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison Mr Mxolisi Kaunda was in Ladysmith recently where he announced the appointment of an independent mediator to facilitate peace dialogue and to end conflict in the taxi industry, Ladysmith Gazette reports.

The mediating team is expected to hit the ground running, as they are expected to report to the Department of Transport within one month from 27 September 2018.

The team will mainly investigate the conflict between the Sizwe Transport Association and Klipriver Taxi Association, who have been at loggerheads over route disputes for a very long time.

This ground-breaking announcement is among measures by the government to assist in finding peaceful resolutions between the two associations, mainly concerning long-distance routes, which are the source of the conflict.

As part of the terms of reference, the mediation team will convene meetings with both associations and individuals who have knowledge of the conflict and its causes. They will also be working in consultation with the department and are expected to advise the MEC on decisions to be taken.

Today’s announcement was made after MEC Kaunda convened a meeting with security agencies in the area to receive a briefing on the latest incidents, including the killing of Klipriver Taxi Association deputy chairperson Mr Samson Hlatshwayo.

It also emerged during the briefing that three other operators have recently been killed in the area.

Kaunda announced that a high-level police team has been assigned to investigate all murder cases in Ladysmith and is optimistic of a breakthrough.

The meeting agreed that all matters that are before court regarding the routes must be left to the court for decisions.

Kaunda also condemned those who are perpetuating false news that he owns taxis, saying this is aimed at diverting his efforts to stabilise the industry in the province.

After continued incidents of violence and killings last year, MEC Kaunda suspended operations between the Klipriver Taxi Association and Sizwe Transport Association. The disputed long-distance routes are still suspended, while local routes are operational.