Dolphin Coast taxi bosses take a hard line over ‘unauthorised transportation’
With tensions escalating and allegations of intimidation, taxi owners say they are not backing off until authorities address their grievances.
Dolphin Coast Taxi Association spokesperson Siyabonga Ntombela says taxi owners are continuing with their action of stopping bakkies transporting workers until authorities meet with them to address their grievances.
This after similar action caused outrage among North Coast business owners in the last week of May when association members stopped and intimidated company bakkie drivers in Shakaskraal and along the R102.
Disturbingly, some drivers alleged being ordered at gunpoint to remove the staff from their bakkies.
A transport committee was established to address similar incidents of taxi intimidation last year, but according to Ntombela, regarding the recent incident, nothing came of it.
He said following the latest incidents three weeks ago, the association has not been approached by anyone in authority to set a meeting for further discussions.
He emphasised their actions would therefore continue until “the issue of bakkies engaging in unauthorised transportation” receives attention.
“While we are open to discussing the issue, it must be unequivocally clear that we will not allow illegal transportation to take place, as it directly impacts on our livelihoods.
“Law enforcement agencies are responsible for dealing with the bakkies, but they have failed to take action. Therefore, we are prepared to safeguard our jobs at any given time,” said Ntombela.
iLembe Chamber of Commerce CEO Cobus Oelofse, said the Chamber has asked all stakeholders including the KwaDukuza Transport Committee to convene a meeting involving the KZN transport department, taxi associations and other traffic entities.
The objective, he said, is to develop an effective strategy that prevents issues surrounding public and staff transport from escalating and disrupting businesses or compromising public safety.
“In the current dire economic climate, none of the parties can afford any negative impact on business or the business environment.”
Umhlali police spokesperson Captain Vinny Pillay last month told the Courier a meeting with all relevant stakeholders would be convened, but this has seemingly not happened.
No further comment could be obtained at the time of print.
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