Taxi heads in peace accord

Associations to operate freely on R61

FEUDING taxi associations in the O R Tambo district yesterday resolved to work together to end the taxi violence that has gripped the area since March last year.

Uncedo Service Taxi Association (Usta) and Border Alliance Taxi Association (Bata) national leaders and those of the affected affiliates had, in a heated six-hour marathon meeting, eventually agreed that all associations should operate freely on the R61 route between Lusikisiki and Mthatha without any intimidation.

They also agreed that the resolutions of the “peace accord” would be closely monitored by leaders of the two taxi associations and taxi owners.

The meeting, held in East London, was led by Usta national president Ntsikelelo Geahler and Bata national president Vuyani Mshiywa.

Both expressed satisfaction in reaching the milestone and hoped it would bring back confidence and dignity to the taxi industry.

The decision came as taxi violence in the O R Tambo district claimed more than 30 lives since last year.

More than 50 taxi operators have since been arrested as the government tightens its grip on the violence by conducting raids and shutting down taxi operations on the R61.

Three taxi ranks – Circus Triangle in Mthatha, Ngqeleni Taxi Rank in Ngqeleni and Ntlaza Taxi Rank near Libode – have already been closed.

Usta spokesman Bishop Zola Yolelo and Mshiywa said the organisations were committed to working together.

In addition to the high number of deaths, injuries and arrests, damages to taxis cost between R30-million and R50-million with about 70 taxis set alight or stoned

“We have called for a ceasefire. There will be no shooting, no stoning or burning of vehicles and no assault of any form,” Yolelo said.

Both Yolelo and Mshiywa said the associations would be operating freely on the R61 route

“Taxi owners themselves and leaders of our affiliates both in Bata and Usta will daily monitor the operations.

“In most cases, those who start taxi wars are drivers who do not operate as per agreement and resolutions.

“Taxi owners also ought to be blamed for failing to monitor routes and operations and prevent incidents like these,” Mshiywa said.

He also scolded some Bata affiliates for taking the transport department to court on what they perceived as bias.

“We have already ordered them to immediately withdraw their legal action against the department.”

This is not the first time the two associations have signed a peace accord. In September last year, they undertook a ceasefire but the violence continued soon after.

However, Bata and Usta said they would formalise the resolutions and make a submission to Transport MEC Weziwe Tikana. — lulamilef@dispatch.