Taxi groups in peace talks

The National Taxi Alliance said yesterday it would be convening a series of meetings in an effort to broker peace with warring associations in Soweto.

This comes after the Gauteng department of roads and transport on Tuesday announced the closure of disputed taxi ranks and routes in Soweto following several months of intimidation and violence.

Transport MEC Ismail Vadi, pictured, published regulations in the Provincial Gazette invoking the extraordinary measures in declared areas to close ranks and related routes operated by the Nancefield Dube West Taxi Association (Nanduwe) and Witwatersrand Taxi Association (Wata) in Soweto.

The affected ranks and routes, which will be closed for a month from today until August 13, include the Mofolo Kwa-Mthethwa informal taxi rank, the Makhetha stores informal taxi rank, the Dube station taxi rank, Makhetha garage taxi rank in Phefeni and Uncle Tom’s taxi rank.

Vadi said that taxi associations found to contravene the regulation would face a maximum sixmonth prison term or a R25 000 fine.

National Taxi Alliance spokesperson Theo Malele said the organisation had noted the sweeping statement made by Vadi to close the disputed ranks and routes in Soweto as a result of the ongoing violence that had claimed a number of lives.

“We are sincerely touched by these barbaric acts and profusely apologise to all affected members of society and pass our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Malele said in a statement.

“Our members (the two affected associations) are reminded to respect the GPRE (Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity) ruling as law. Even though the one association has lodged an appeal but law and order must be upheld.”

Nanduwe and rivals Wata have been at loggerheads for over a year. At times the conflict has become violent, resulting in the loss of lives. – ANA