Drivers demand an end to impounding of taxis
A HEAVY police contingent followed about 50 taxi operators as they marched to the provincial legislature demanding an end to the impounding of taxis, among other concerns.
Following the group were about 10 police vehicles, as well as a number of officers patrolling on foot and on motorbikes.
Siyanda Dyantji, a taxi owner for more than a decade, said they were not going to take a violent approach.
The taxi drivers operate on the Cape Town to Sea Point and Hout Bay route.
He said they came in smaller numbers because police anticipated violence.
“We are not like the olden day taxi drivers who used to walk around armed with knopkieries ready for a fight. They (police) thought we were going to be violent; we are civilised and refuse to act as barbarians.”
The list of demands was handed to the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works’ deputy director-general, Kyle Reinecke, who signed receipt of the document.
The taxi owners said they wanted an immediate moratorium on all impounded taxis and called for a probe into the victimisation, extortion and intimidation of certain taxi owners by law enforcement officials. Dyantji said the most urgent issue was the issuing of permits.
“We want to work, just like they gave Uber 150 permits, they should also give us permits. We also want to work and make money for our families. We want our taxis to stop being harassed and victimised.”
Two weeks ago, a group of taxi drivers and owners blocked traffic in the CBD when they closed off Strand Street. The illegal protest ended with the group being dispersed when police discharged two stun grenades and four men were arrested.
The protest started after five taxis were impounded.
Taxi owner Prince Nguqu said two of his taxis had been impounded, and releasing the taxis would cost him R9 500.
”My taxi makes R1 500 a day, how am I going to get close to R10 000. I don’t have money, I have dependants, including my niece’s baby, to take care of. We are tired of running around and dodging traffic police. We want to work peacefully. They must just issue us with a permit.”
To qualify for a taxi operating licence, an owner has to be a member of a fully registered taxi association. These are registered with the Provincial Taxi Registrar. Applications take up to 60 working days to be processed. Operating licences are valid for a maximum of five years.
The taxis protesters gave the department until November 30 to meet their demands.