The KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, held a meeting with taxi associations in Newcastle on Tuesday in an attempt to find solutions to issues faced by rival associations.
According to Kwanele Ncalane, spokesperson for the MEC, a facilitator was appointed to oversee the day to day activities of the associations in Mandini, and Newcastle is sure to follow.
“Out of 246 taxi associations in KwaZulu-Natal, there are only 12 that we meet with, in order to resolve issues,” said Mr Ncalane. “The five associations in Newcastle are a part of that, the rest of the province is relatively calm.”
Following violent incidents earlier this month in Newcastle, the MEC has become concerned about the level of strife within the associations, many members vying for positions of power as well as contesting routes with rival associations.
“We are optimistic. We have gone very far toward finding solutions,” said Mr Ncalane. “The people need to understand that violent tactics will not resolve the issues.”
The Department of Transport, together with the South African National Taxi Council will begin to implement plans to help taxi associations monitor day to day financial transactions, as well as proper record keeping. A co-operative agreement is also being discussed whereby the MEC and associations will agree on proper ways to deal with disputes. The Department of Transport will also be seeking a court interdict in an attempt to end the illegal taxi operations in the province.
“It is alleged that within the process of money being collected, some of that money is being put aside to fund the illegal activities,” he said. “If the associations are taught to keep proper financial records, there would be less chance of this taking place.”
According to Mr Ncalane, the appointment of a facilitator would be temporary to help the associations find ways to deal with each other amicably. The person should have appropriate experience in the operations of the associations, as well as a legal background, to oversee and ensure that all operators conduct business legally.
“Incidents of violence have become isolated,” said Mr Ncalane. “This is the third meeting between the MEC and the associations in question, and he is saying, ‘Let’s find solutions to these internal leadership challenges, and put a stop to illegal recruitment.’”
Allegations surrounding private security companies also getting involved in the violence, is also a main concern for the MEC. Meetings will be scheduled to address the issue of private security firms being hired to protect certain individuals, but who then become part of the violence itself.
“The fact that some security guards have been arrested, points to the use of these private companies. Obviously, they operate under their own code of ethics and professionalism, however, the MEC is concerned about the activities of these companies at the forefront of the violence,” concluded Mr Ncalane.
