‘Rank’led illegal taxi operators left without permits

In recent years, the escalation of taxi related violence has led to severe steps being taken by local authorities, in an attempt to resolve and discourage conflicts.

After a visit from the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, Protection Services has taken the next step in ensuring only legal taxis are operating in Newcastle.

A permit system was introduced in recent weeks, which grants access to legally designated ranks.

“A person intending to obtain a rank permit must pay a prescribed fee to the municipality,” said Vish Govender, Manager of Protection Services.

“They must also produce their operator permit, roadworthy certificate, vehicle registration certificate and receipt of approval from the Department of Transport.”

The permits are stickers, which are issued to taxi drivers that must be displayed on their vehicles. The permits are only given to legal operators who work under legitimate taxi associations.

“The permits will distinguish legal from illegally operating taxis,” added Mr Govender.

A source within the traffic department confirmed that two arrests have been made following alleged forgery of permits.

“There are certain trademarks to the permits which are very difficult to copy,” he said. “Our guys are out there, putting themselves in danger to ensure peace in the taxi rank.”

According to Sisho Shangase of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), the idea behind such permits was not new.

“Operators are required to get permits like these from their municipalities,” he said. “We support the permits in the sense that an operator must get a letter from his association before he will get the permit.”

Mr Shangase explained the permits would prevent the operation of illegal taxis, and also curb conflict.