Update: MEC for Transport extends taxi route suspension in Ladysmith for a further 6 months
Since MEC Kaunda announced the suspension in December last year, no lives have been lost in the area due to taxi violence
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison Mr Mxolisi Kaunda today (June 6) announced an extension of the suspension of long-distance taxi operations in Ladysmith for a further six months.
This was made during a meeting held at the Ladysmith council chambers this afternoon.
The decision, which Kaunda made in terms of section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, Act No. 5 of 2009, was approved by the Provincial Executive Council today after the two feuding associations, Klipriver Taxi Association and Sizwe Transport, have failed to reach an agreement on the routes being disputed.
The announcement that Kaunda made on December 7, 2017, following the killing of more than 60 people in the area, expires tomorrow (June 7, 2018). Kaunda instituted a six-month ban on all operations of these two taxi associations in December last year. This was followed by protests in which angry community members blocked roads to demand that taxis be allowed to operate again. The total ban was lifted after about a month (in January this year), with conditions that included the suspension of long-distance taxi operations.
The extension of the suspension of long-distance taxi operations will not affect the uncontested routes, which include local and Johannesburg routes.
Initial story: Breaking News: MEC for Transport takes on Ladysmith taxi warlords, banning taxis operating in Ladysmith for 6 months
Also read: MEC bans taxis in Ladysmith for 6 months
Also read: Update: Mass shooting on the N11 near Ladysmith – 11 dead, taxi boss named
The provincial government believes that the extension of the suspension will persuade the operators to negotiate and end the conflict.
“Our doors will remain open for the two associations to present a peace agreement that will allow them to continue operating peacefully. If the peace agreement is not forthcoming, I will be forced to implement drastic measures which include withdrawing operating licences for individuals who are perpetuating violence in the industry,” said Kaunda.
Since Kaunda announced the suspension in December last year, no lives have been lost in the area due to taxi violence.
“As government, we will continue to take drastic measures to stabilise the taxi industry to ensure that no lives are lost. Police will be all over Emnambithi tomorrow to ensure that the contested routes remain closed,” said Kaunda.
He also warned against this matter being used for cheap political point scoring.
SANTACO has welcomed this decision by the Provincial Executive Council to extend the suspension of operations in the area following their failed efforts to persuade the two associations to sign a peace agreement.
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