SEDIBENG.- Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure, Jacob Mamabolo, has expressed his intention to shut down the operations of the Internal Taxi Association (ITA) and Evaton West Taxi Association (EWTA) following violent clashes between the two associations.

Mamabolo is also considering dissolving the executive committees of the two associations following their failure to prevent the violence that has resulted in destruction of property and shootings in the Emfuleni Municipality.

“It is unacceptable that the lives of commuters are continuously being put at risk by these two associations. In this province, we have opened the door for negotiations whenever disputes arise, it is therefore unacceptable that the leadership of both ITA and EWTA have allowed for the situation to escalate into full blown violence,” said MEC Mamabolo.

The MEC will in the coming week issue the associations with notices of closure of their taxi ranks and commuters are urged to make preparations for alternative forms of transport.

“We also call on law enforcement to play its part and arrest those who are stoking the violence. We will not allow lawlessness and complete disregard for life be the order of the day. If leaders of these associations are unable to lead, it would be better we find people who are up to the task. This violence must end and it must end now. The leadership of the associations have failed the leadership test,” remarked Mamabolo.