Gauteng MEC to visit Maponya Mall to assess ongoing tensions in public transport sector

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, will visit Maponya Mall on Thursday to assess ongoing tensions in the public transport sector, engage with affected stakeholders, and review the situation on the ground.

This is according to the South African Government News Agency (SAnews.gov.za).

The visit follows a violent incident on Wednesday at the mall, allegedly involving taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, which resulted in one fatality and left two others injured.

ALSO READ: One dead in suspected taxi violence at Maponya Mall

In response to the growth of e-hailing services, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed an amended National Land Transport Act (NLTA) 5 of 2009 into law last year, allowing e-hailing operators to apply for operating licences in the same manner as other public transport providers.

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Community blocks roads following e-hailing violence at Maponya Mall, Soweto Protestors march in support of e-hailing drivers after a e-hailing driver was killed in a suspected taxi violence attack on August 13. Workers of Maponya Mall also came out in numbers in their uniform to join the protest. 📹: @kutlwano.mosiapoa #maponyamall #klipspruit

♬ original sound – Soweto Urban News – Soweto Urban News

The National Land Transport Act was originally presented to the president in 2020 but was returned to the National Assembly for reconsideration.

The revised Bill updates the Act to reflect developments since its implementation, simplifies provisions, and resolves issues that have arisen.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Community protests after the death and injuries of e-hailing drivers

It also makes allowances for non-motorised and accessible transport and expands the minister’s powers to introduce regulations and safety measures.

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport continues to monitor the situation closely and aims to ensure the safety of commuters while maintaining order in the sector.