Media release by Daylin Mitchell, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works
The following is a situational report on minibus taxi operations in the greater Cape Town area.
Where an area is not specifically mentioned, no specific issues were raised and operations seem to be running. Where an area is specifically mentioned and it is stated that services are running, it means that the area has been flagged as an area where disruptions are possible.
It should be made clear that this situational report is based on current information, is valid only at the time of publishing and is subject to change at any time.
- No minibus taxi (MBT) services between Mbekweni and Bellville.
- Local routes in Paarl are running.
- Limited MBT services from Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Langa leading to limited services at the Bellville Public Transport Interchange (PTI). Non-affiliated MBT services operating.
- Bellville PTI:
- Limited Golden Arrow bus services.
- Golden Arrow Service is operating on Borcherds Quarry.
- Nyanga Central PTI:
- Bus services are limited
- Nyanga
- Very limited to no MBT services
Other modes of public transport are operating as well as minibus taxis not affiliated to the affected associations. It is also important to note that while operations at Public Transport Interchanges may be reduces, services along the routes still continue to operate.
I welcome the announcement this morning by Golden Arrow Bus Services that they are now running 80% of their fleet, providing much needed relief.
I reiterate my stance that Government cannot be expected to compromise on the rule of law and will not allow a criminal element in the industry to hold legal operators and the citizens of the province hostage. That is why I am currently applying my mind on whether to close certain routes or ranks, in terms of the Section 91 process. I intend to come to a decision soon.
I wish to thank law enforcement agencies including municipal law enforcement and the South African Police Service for their support in enforcing the law and keeping our commuters safe.
I also want to thank the staff in my department for their hard work behind the scenes to address this major challenge, as well as the many law-abiding transport service providers that continue to assist our commuters during this time. You are putting the interest of the community first, during a time of great difficulty for many people.
Media Queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za