Joint media release: Western Cape Government’s response to the taxi shutdown
The Western Cape Government (WCG) strongly condemns the violent acts we have seen in some communities today following the mini-bus taxi strike.
It is unacceptable and a flagrant disregard of the rights of innocent commuters and citizens that after benefitting from a significant pilot investment in the mini-bus taxi industry, they are now acting lawlessly and violently.
The WCG respects the rights of the minibus taxi industry to shutdown, but criminal acts and wanton violence are unacceptable and the WCG will pursue all options to deal with this behaviour.
The WCG ran the Blue Dot pilot programme with the mini-bus industry to demonstrate that formalisation and improved driver behaviour is possible at a significant cost of R215million for 800 mini-bus taxis in the pilot. It was a success and a game changer for the industry.
In the face of collapsing public transport system the WCG has shown through the Blue Dot pilot programme how it is possible to change the mini-bus taxi industry. The WCG has taken the results of this pilot programme to the national government so that it can be rolled out nationally with national funding.
The WCG communicated and met repeatedly with the mini-bus taxi industry at the beginning of November that the pilot programme was going to begin winding down at the end of the month. This was widely reported in the media.
Unfortunately, we have received reports of attacks on Golden Arrow and MyCiTi buses in Khayelitsha and Hout Bay, stoning of private vehicles and staff transport and reports of intimidation in other communities. This is grossly unacceptable.
The Minister of Mobility Daylin Mitchell said: “Today’s actions by the taxi industry had a severe impact on people traveling to and from work, school children who are writing exams and to those who tried to access services such as healthcare. We cannot afford this while our economy is only starting to show recovery from two very tough years. These senseless acts are putting jobs at risk. They are putting lives at risk. I will use all regulatory and legislative mechanisms to deal with this issue which includes suspending or even withdrawing operating licences and holding associations accountable for the actions. I will not stand by and allow a handful of opportunists to hold the commuters of this province hostage. I have said it before and I maintain that illegal and criminal acts will not be tolerated.”
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “I call on all Law Enforcement entities, including the South African Police Services, LEAP and other City of Cape Town Agencies to arrest any person that embarks on criminal activity during today’s protest by taxi operators. Every person has the right to protest, but this should be done in a peaceful and law abiding manner. Law abiding citizens are being denied the opportunity to get to their important engagements or appointments. This is unacceptable. Intimidation and the destruction of property will not be tolerated. Not only should those who are involved in these illegal activities be arrested, but civil claims should be instituted against them. The tendency to cause destructions when there are protests will only end if those guilty of these offenses feel it in their pockets and with time behind bars. I’ve been informed that all law enforcement entities are deployed at various hotspots. This includes 120 LEAP officers across these areas to ensure they are safe, secured and stable. LEAP officers have also been deployed in MyCiTi and Golden Arrow busses following attacks in the Khayelitsha area this morning. I call on those with genuine concerns and grievances to sit around the table and discuss matters, so that viable and realistic solutions can be found.”
The WCG will continue to work with all authorities to ensure that this lawless behaviour is dealt with.
Media Queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026