Public transport services will not be shut down
Media release by Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Minister of Mobility
Despite a political threat to shut down services on Monday 20 March 2023, public transport operations will continue their regular schedules in the Western Cape.
The Western Cape Government (WCG) has made it clear that, while all have the right to peaceful protest, intimidation of communities and businesses will not be accepted. Nobody should be forced to participate in a ‘shutdown’ with threats of violence. This was confirmed on Friday when the Western Cape High Court granted the province’s interdict which prevents unlawful protests, incitement to violence and intimidation, and damage to property for the whole province.
I welcome the announcements by our various mobility partners that public transport operations for Monday are scheduled to go ahead without disruption. This means that people should still be able to get to work and keep our economy running at a time when protecting jobs is crucial.
The South African National Taxi Council confirmed that minibus taxi services will operate on their regular schedules and routes and that their members have been warned to stay on high alert for the safety of passengers. Golden Arrow Bus Services reassured commuters that they plan to operate a regular service on Monday, in collaboration with safety and security agencies, and that operational areas will be monitored with contingency plans in place. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has said that trains will operate as scheduled, any changes to the timetable will be communicated and security plans are in place for the safety of passengers and staff.
The South African Police Service, law enforcement agencies, Provincial Traffic Services and others have confirmed that comprehensive plans are in place to ensure safety in our province.
I encourage everyone who plans to participate in the protest to do so peacefully and without disrupting the rights of others to safety and freedom. Let’s treat each other with respect and look out for those who might need assistance should there be disruptions or unrest.
Should members of the public witness any acts of violence or intimidation on Monday, they are urged to contact law enforcement or the WCG through the following platforms:
Call Centre: 0860 142142
Email: service@westerncape.gov.za
Media queries:
Rebecca Campbell
Spokesperson for Minister Ricardo Mackenzie
076 783 2583