Taxi associations set to go on strike today

THOUSANDS of taxi commuters will be left stranded today as taxi associations across the city down tools.

The strike, which will include members of the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta), Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and the Retreat Taxi Association, comes as a result of brewing frustration over taxi impoundments, new taxi laws and the upcoming provincial South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) elections.

Elections for a new regional executive were supposed to have taken place in March, but due to certain delays, there have not been any elections held yet.

Codeta spokesperson Andile Khanyi said new policies and mandates for the upcoming executive were supposed to have been created before the elections.

Another issue of discontent was the impounding of taxis and hefty fines.

Khanyi said the associations had on numerous occasions approached Transport and Public Works MEC Donald Grant for guidance in creating criteria and policies for the taxi industry before election time.

Nazeem Daniels, of the Delft Taxi Association (northern region), said an attempt to have a meeting with the Santaco leadership in March was unsuccessful.

“They walked out of the meeting. All we want is to have a set mandate and criteria for the upcoming leadership expected to be elected next month,” he said.

Cata has already distributed flyers and posters informing commuters of the strike.

James Maki said the association had already deliberated and a decision to park taxis at ranks was made. “We urge our commuters to make alternative arrangements,” he said.

Jay-Jay Maans, chairperson of the Retreat Taxi Association, said it was not known whether the strike would be peaceful. “We don’t want to endanger the lives of our commuters and drivers and will therefore not be operating,” he said.

Santaco provincial chairperson Vernon Biller said earlier he was not aware of the strike. He said the it was instigated by a group of people who wanted to change policies outside of the conference.

Grant’s spokesperson, Siphesihle Dube, said the MEC was aware of the threats of strike action. “It is worth noting that the MEC has agreed to meet with operators to come to some resolution about their grievances and requests. Law enforcement authorities are also aware of the threat to strike and will be on alert to respond to any eventuality,” he said.

Police said they were bracing for the strike. Public Order Police, Flying Squad members, K-9 as well as other units will be deployed to ensure safety and security for commuters and motorists.