Gauteng MEC holds public meeting to resolve transport issues
They were also provided with a platform to explain how such conflicts are affecting them as public transport users.
MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela and ward councillors held a public meeting with the commuters and residents affected by the ongoing taxi quarrel between the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nancefield Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE).
The public participation meeting was held at the Uncle Toms Hall in Orlando West on April 18. It served as the MEC’s broad consultation platform with communities as she intends to invoke section 91 of the National Land Transport Act.
The act gives the MEC power to implement affirmative measures, including the closure of routes and taxi ranks that are being disputed between the two associations.
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This meeting was called after the heavy conflict between WATA and NANDUWE resurrected early this month when both associations were arguing about operations on routes along Dube to Jeppe Station Rank and Makhetha Garage (Phefeni) to Jeppe Station.
When addressing this matter, MEC Diale-Tlabela said, “We are following the cases and we are not going to leave any stones unturned.
“I can tell you, at the centre of this, there are fake illegal permits and those with more taxis have benefitted from it.
“There is no way they are not there, so we can’t only arrest officials of government, we must also come for those corrupting the system so it’s quite a lot of work to be done.”
“We are determined and those law enforcement agencies that are deployed to assist us in this programme are also determined so when you see them in the communities just know that its men and women who are determined to help us stop the war within the taxi industry,” She added.
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The meeting was for residents residing in Mofolo, White City, Killarney, Rockville and all areas affected by the taxi dispute.
Community members that are affected by the conflict between the two taxi associations were given a chance to raise suggestions that can help in resolving the issue.
They were also provided with a platform to explain how such conflicts are affecting them as public transport users.
Khehla Letsoko, one of the residents who rely on public transport for travel purposes explained how unsafe it is for him to travel when taxi conflicts begin because the chances of it escalating to the use of firearms are very high.
“They should just work together as one association if they fail to come up with an agreement that will make things get back to normal. The MEC should command them to work together because she has the power to do so,” Letsoka said.
In an effort to try and solve the conflict, the provincial government is planning on changing the contested routes and its operating licences to avoid duplications.
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“By amending these routes we are dealing with the core issue in the long-standing dispute. We are collaborating with other government entities to deal with outstanding operating licence renewals,” MEC Diale-Tlabela said.
The MEC also emphasised the key role the taxi industry plays in strengthening the economy of Gauteng as most people use the service.
“I would like to send a word of appreciation to the Gauteng Taxi industry leadership for their stewardship and support as we deal with this complex challenge,” said the MEC.
