Muni, taxi operators clash in city centre

Threats of violence and damage to property were rife on Monday morning when maxi-taxi operators clashed with officers of the Polokwane Traffic Department at the taxi rank in Church Street. Adjourning streets were closed off by the authorities to safeguard passing motorists.
The taxi operators were unhappy about the fact that they receive fines of R1 000 from the municipality for operating without valid taxi operator’s permits while the Department of Transport was not issuing their permits. “We have applied for permits years ago and were issued with temporary permits that have since expired. We are still waiting for our permits and apart from the fines, our vehicles are now also being impounded,” Imanuel Mabunda, representing the taxi operators, said to Polokwane Observer.

Officials of the municipality engaged with representatives of the taxi operators and it was agreed that a meeting will take place at the Nirvana Community Hall later in the morning. “At the meeting the taxi operators were informed that the municipality has an obligation to enforce the law and does not issue tickets to fill its coffers. The problem is between the taxi operators and the department of Transport and we advised the taxi operators to engage with the Department. The taxi operators also use the parking area adjacent to the taxi rank as a waiting/parking area and they were also sensitised that it is illegal,” Matshidiso Mothapo, acting Manager Communications and Marketing of the municipality commented.
Mabunda confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that a meeting with the department of Transport took place earlier in the day and that the department undertook to investigate whether there is a backlog with the issue of permits as they are not aware of any pending applications. The department also promised to convene a follow-up meeting with the taxi operators as soon as all information is available.
Kagiso Mootane, Spokesperson of the Department of Transport, was not aware of the meeting and could, at time of going to print, not provide comment. “The Department’s offices were recently moved from Lebowakgomo to Church Street in the city to make it easier for taxi operators to access our services and we can only assist if they engage with us,” Mootane however informed.

Story: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com

Photo: Vehicles of the Polokwane Traffic Department and the Police block traffic from passing the taxi rank in Church Street.