Government given 14 days to adhere to taxi industry demands

The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) has given the department of transport 14 days, to respond to operators’ demands after they had embarked on a national strike on Wednesday.

NTA spokesperson Theo Malele said a list of demands was handed to the department of transport and the office of the president at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and both were received.

”We have given them 14 days, to respond and we are optimistic that the department will respond before the set time so that the matter can be resolved.”

Malele, however, said should the deadline for the response not be met, they would approach the courts.

The taxi alliance has demanded the department release the Covid-19 taxi relief funds as promised. Meanwhile, motorists and commuters could expect to see normal taxi operations on Thursday, Malele said.

”The strike was only meant for today (Wednesday), and all commuters can expect to see taxis operating tomorrow (Thursday).” The department was expected to comment on its plans on Thursday.

Read more; Matriculants arriving late for exams get hour’s ‘grace’

The protest in Pretoria saw traffic disruptions, several cases of intimidation and attacks on passing motorists reported earlier on Wednesday.

The police and Tshwane metro police were monitoring the protests through in several streets in Pretoria. Tshwane mayor Randall Williams condemned violence accompanying the protests.

”I note with great concern the impact of the protest and strike action that took place today by some of the taxi operators in Tshwane.

”These actions caused severe disruption to the capital city, making it difficult for many residents to get to work this morning, and leaving scores of commuters stranded. School children, more specifically those in matric writing exams this morning, were unable to get to school on time,” he said.

The Tshwane bus service was also suspended on Wednesday afternoon, following the strike that saw one bus hijacked and later released.  

Read more: University postpones Wednesday exams amid taxi strike Meanwhile, the department of education recorded 27 business studies learners whose examinations were affected by the strike. Of the students, 16 were from Tshwane. Schools allowed candidates who arrived late an extra hour, to complete their papers.

“Overall we are satisfied with how this challenging situation was managed by our schools and officials under difficult conditions.  We would like to extend our gratitude to the Mpumalanga department of education for accommodating our learners. Indeed we are  also indebted to parents who arranged alternative transport for our candidates,” Mabona quoted education MEC Panyaza Lesufi as having said