DELIBERATION between the Ngwelezane Taxi Association and A Rank to find a solution to the Dumisane Mahaye (uMhlathuze Village) taxi route dispute, came to a standstill at the Empangeni Civic Centre on Sunday.
Both associations are adamant to take over the route despite earlier intervention by the provincial leadership.
KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, addressed residents at the uMhlathuze sports ground on the outcome of the discussions.
‘Everything will now be handled by the High Court as we could not come to a decision. This matter has been ongoing for a long time now and we had hoped to put it to bed.
‘The are so many things to consider and accusations by both associations to deal with. Some threats and violence have been reported, but there is no evidence to support these,’ said Mchunu.
‘We seek to find people with information about these allegations. Both parties will apply for their operating licenses and then a decision will be made. I also ask the public no to put themselves in danger by taking illegal and dangerous transportation,’ Mchunu said.
Angry residents said while they have to wait for the court’s decision, going to work or town has became an impossible mission with no public transport available.
‘We have to go long distances to the Ngwelezane rank. All we want is for the MEC to make a decision because we can’t live like this any more,’ said one elderly resident.
