Transport department quells taxi disputes

In an attempt to quell taxi riots and disputes in KZN, Transport MEC Siboniso Duma successfully convened a meeting with operators in an effort to ensure the stability of the public transport sector.

The meeting was aimed at bringing up a two-year dispute over taxi routes and historic agreements involving taxi associations in Ulundi and Pongola.

“We recall that weeks ago, taxi operators of Ulundi Mahlabathini Association staged a protest by blocking a road in Mayiwane. I can announce that affected members made an undertaking during our meeting that they would return and operate at the approved ranking facilities.

“Those who were operating in Nkonjeni, Mkhazane and Ezihlabeni will now operate in these areas. Members and the executive agreed to settle their differences and the association will proceed to assist those who have operating licences that have lapsed,” he said.

Duma further explained that during their meeting, it was agreed that Operation Shanela should assist in ensuring all routes are operated by authorised vehicles.

“Minibus taxis that are found operating outside the approved taxi rank will be subjected to a legal process that could lead to operating licences being rescinded.

“In addition, we have resolved a dispute involving registered members of the Ikhwezi Local and Long Distance Taxi Association in Pongola. The dispute was over the Johannesburg and Durban long-distance routes.

“Members of the association resolved that, in line with the High Court ruling, the Durban and Johannesburg routes will be operated by all members.

“Each member shall bring one vehicle to operate the long-distance routes. It was resolved that all long-distance routes would be operated equally. Those members who elect not to operate long-distance routes are at liberty to stick to the local routes.

“It was also agreed that each association must have a limit of three operating licences per member. This means one vehicle operates long-distance routes and two operate local routes,” said Duma.

He added that the executive committee will be assisted by the Santaco Regional Executive Committee in drawing a schedule for long-distance operations.

“The schedule will be implemented from 12 August, and the department and Santaco will monitor the situation to ensure the schedule is implemented as agreed,” he said.

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