Taxi violence threatens growth

Taxi violence is a major threat to the growth of the economy in KwaDukuza.

Hesto Harnesses, one of the largest employers in the Ilembe region, has put expansion on hold due to the high crime rate and ongoing threat of violence from the taxi industry.

This was revealed by Hesto human resource director advocate Sbu Ngcobo at a business breakfast with police minister Nathi Nhleko on Friday morning.

“We would like to expand the business, creating more job opportunities and boosting the economy of the town. However with the high crime rate and the taxi violence not being dealt with, we may not see this happening,” he said.

The meeting was held at eBandla Hotel and it was attended by MEC of community safety and liaison Willies Mchunu, KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu and KZN police commissioner, lieutenant general Mmamonnye Ngobeni.

Hesto Harnesses manufactures wiring harnesses for the automotive industry from a factory situated in Stanger opposite the taxi rank and train station.

They have more than 2000 employees from across the region and 80% of them are women from rural areas.

The dispute of routes between Maphumulo Taxi association and KwaDukuza Taxi Association that has been going on for years has a direct impact on their employees.

“Most of our employees use public transport and when they hear the gunshots they panic so we have to stop work until everything is back to normal,” said Ngcobo.

Members of the two taxi associations present at the breakfast responded to the complaint by side-stepping responsibility for resolving the ongoing problem.

Maphumulo taxi association’s Sipho “Magic” Thusi said he regretted the effects of the dispute, especially as the employees of Hesto make up one of their biggest client bases.

“The only way this problem can be solved is for the government to give the permit to the right people,” said Thusi.

Thusi said they are ashamed of their actions as taxi owners because it is innocent people who suffer.

KwaDukuza taxi association treasurer Sipho Thusi apologised to the community and businessmen who were affected by the violence.

“As KwaDukuza taxi association we try by all means to avoid violence, however we are the ones who keep on being attacked by our rivals,” he said.

Police minister Nathi Nhleko said his main concern was to listen to the concerns of the community.

He emphasised the importance of community engagement when it came to fighting crime in the country.

“Residents have a huge role to play in our communities, but that should be done working together with police,” said Nhleko.