Intervention of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government has brought calmness between the Vukta and Zamta following recent taxi violence

HIGHVELD – The intervention of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government has brought calmness between the Vukanini Taxi Association (Vukta) and Zamokuhle Taxi Association (Zamta) following the recent taxi violence.

The feud over routes between the associations began in December when Vukta heard the municipality gave Zamta a taxi rank in Secunda.

This resulted in two taxis being torched, one from Vukta and one from Zamta.

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Since then, Vukta prohibited Zamta from operating on the Evander/Secunda route.

Residents of Lebohang (Leandra) took to the streets to protest in solidarity with Zamta on Monday, 7 January. The protest lasted for a week. Various public violence cases were opened at the police during this time.

Mediation meetings led by Ms Thandi Ngxonono, GMM executive mayor, were held, however the associations could not find common ground.

Mr Gillion Mashego, MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, intervened to resolve the matter, but the associations were not fully satisfied by the interventions.

Zamta decided to disrupt 13 voting stations by preventing potential voters from registering in Leandra on Saturday, 26 January.

A meeting was convened the same day by the provincial government and the two associations.

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It was agreed that Zamta will transport people From Leandra to Secunda, Evander and eMbalenhle, but must return empty and are not allowed to take people from these towns to Leandra.

Voter registration continued the following day and Mr Petrus Ngomana, MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, gave feedback to the community at a meeting.

Mr Meddy Mahlangu, Zamta chairman, said they are not fully persuaded by the decision, but they will adhere to the resolution in order to keep the peace.

“We hope that the provincial government will provide lasting solutions and not take sides.

“We are law abiding citizens and we will do what is right.”

Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, chairman of Vukta, said that they do not have a problem, but they are fighting for what is right.

They will ensure that the association operates according to the permits provided.

“We are just concerned about our image because we feel that Zamta did not tell the residents the truth about the matter.

“We told the MEC’s that we want Zamta to clear our name.”

Police said no violence was reported recently and that the taxis are operating smoothly.

Also read:

https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/129774/vukanini-taxi-association-demands-taxi-rank-back-govan-mbeki-municipality/