THE Gauteng Provincial Government has condemned the rowdy behaviour by a group of meter taxi operators on Monday, May 16.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport launched a process to regulate Uber partner-drivers as public transport operators. While the MEC, Ismail Vadi, was preparing to leave the venue after launching the licensing process for the Uber partner-driver, he was accosted by a group of individuals purported to be members of the meter taxi operators.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura said the group became extremely aggressive and the MEC’s security detail had to remove him from the scene. The MEC is well and safe.
The premier has condemned the intimidation of the MEC and reiterated government’s commitment to build an integrated, smart, and modernised public transport system. “We will not tolerate hooliganism and intimidation by any group or individuals in our pursuit to build an integrated, affordable, and modernised transport system,” the premier said. He added that the regulation of Uber will allow for legal operation by these drivers. “We do not agree with those who want to impose their own solutions to challenges,” said Premier Makhura.
The premier also said that the government is willing to discuss any matters affecting transport operators, but such discussions must happen in a peaceful and orderly manner.
