Media Release by Daylin Mitchell, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works
A Golden Arrow Bus Service driver was injured this morning by what is initially believed to be a stray bullet from apparent attack on a minibus taxi. The motive and full details surrounding the incident are not yet fully known at this stage. I am relieved to hear from the GABS that the driver was not seriously injured and that he was treated for a superficial wound on his ankle.
The SAPS is investigating this matter and calling on witnesses to come forward so that they can find the person responsible and ensure a speedy arrest. We encourage residents who might have information on this incident to please assist the authorities.
I call on SAPS to do everything possible to find the culprit responsible for the alleged shooting. Regardless of the motive, we need to send a strong message that this will not be tolerated in the Western Cape, and that criminals will end up behind bars.
I have further received calls from members of the public concerned that they cannot get to work or to school due to taxis not operating on routes due to the loading lane being closed in terms of the Section 91 notice in terms of the National Land Transport Act I issued.
I firstly want to say that I share their anger and frustration. This taxi strike is having a devastating impact on our most vulnerable communities. We are doing everything we can, with the powers we have as a provincial government, to solve the problem in a sustainable way.
I do want to clarify however, that even though “affected” associations / members may not use the Bellville and Mbekweni taxi ranks and certain loading lanes, they may still continue to provide services on the routes authorised by their operating licences. Legal operators of affected associations may still load and set down passengers along the route but will not be allowed to use the closed ranks and lanes. The continued lack of services in some areas is due to a decision by the two main associations to not operate, and we cannot force them to as a government.
That is why I continue to urge the drivers to think of their communities and find a solution, so that taxi services can start again. We cannot allow this to drag on any further.
In line with my commitment to be open and transparent about the transport operations in the province during these disruptions, the following is a situational report for 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.
Please note 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.
- B97 MBT Route (Mbekweni to Bellville)
- No MBT services.
- Additional bus service functioning.
- Local routes in Paarl are running.
- Limited MBT services from Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Langa leading to limited services at the Bellville PTI. MBT services not affiliated to CATA and CODETA are operating.
- Bellville PTI:
- Golden Arrow Bus Services are operating.
- No CATA- and limited CODETA-affiliated MBT services are running. Not loading from the PTI.
- Wynberg PTI:
- No CATA- or CODETA-affiliated MBT services are visible. Non-CATA and CODETA affiliated MBTs in operation
- Bus services are operating.
- Nyanga Central PTI and bus terminus as well as Gugulethu:
- Bus services running. Passengers embark and disembark at Nyanga South African Police Service (SAPS) station.
- Very limited MBT services in operation. No CATA affiliated MBT services in operation
- Mowbray, Athlone, Fish Hoek and Masiphumelele:
- Limited MBT services in operation.
- Buses are operating.
- Vrygrond PTI
- CODETA-affiliated MBT services are operating.
- Claremont:
- CODETA-affiliated MBT services are operating.
Media Queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za