Gauteng set to resolve taxi violence conflict
Gauteng has recently been plagued by the scourge of cases of transport operators’ killings. MEC Diale-Tlabela has strongly condemned these taxi-related shootings and killings across the province.
The Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has vowed to intervene, conduct consultations, and implement measures to resolve conflicts in areas and associations where taxi ranks are in conflict.
The MEC was addressing the Gauteng Women in Public Transport engagement at the department’s Tshwane Regional offices.
The engagement was meant to review and map the department’s planned interventions to curb the growing violence, explore ways to assist them with business operations, and explore various opportunities in the sector.
Speaking at the gathering, MEC Diale-Tlabela said, “We are withdrawing the operating licenses, closing the taxi ranks, and we are working on a transport plan to engage other modes of transport to assist as we are resolving the challenges.”
Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act (Act No. 5 of 2009) empowers the MEC to impose the extraordinary measures in areas experiencing violence, unrest, or instability to normalize transport services and safeguard lives and property. This can be implemented by suspending services through closure of routes and ranks, amending or revoking operating licenses, etc.
The MEC stated that the safety of commuters and transport workers remains the department’s top priority.
The MEC has also called upon men in the province to join the crisis committee in the province to assist in resolving the challenge of issuing operating licenses faced by the province.
Gauteng has recently been plagued by the scourge of cases of transport operators’ killings. MEC Diale-Tlabela has strongly condemned these taxi-related shootings and killings across the province.
Public transport-related violence has a devastating financial impact on operators, commuters and the community at large.
MEC said the scourge has also impacted those who have lost their loved ones, their sources of income, and the ability to move freely and safely in public spaces.
The department says it remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure that public transport systems are safe, reliable, and accessible to all.
