Taxi owners await MEC’s declaration
Further financial losses feared
Soweto taxi owners affiliated to Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (Wata) and Nancefield-Dube West Taxi Association (Nanduwe) are facing the possibility of further financial losses.
MEC for roads and transport Ismail Vadi could extend the current suspension of services on both associations for another three months.
Vadi initially suspended five taxi ranks and routes affiliated to these associations from July 13 after various incidents of violence and intimidation.
The suspension was set to be lifted yesterday on condition that the associations committed to certain requirements meant to bring peace and stability.
According to the department‚ neither of the associations has reached a consensus, hence their services may be barred till November.
“I wish the MEC can implement another strategy, because the taxi business is our only source of income. Our lives depend on it,” said taxi owner Sibusiso Maseko.
“We struggled to provide for our families this month. Extending the suspension means more suffering for many owners‚ drivers and commuters.”
Even though Maseko disagrees with the suspension‚ he acknowledges that clashes between associations must end because lives have been lost.
Police visibility has been increased along targeted routes to ensure public safety.
Prior to the July suspension‚ several cases of murder and assault linked to taxi clashes were reported to Soweto police.
A number of commuters and bystanders‚ such as 21year-old Mokgethi Moroke who was shot and killed in Meadowlands on July 9‚ have been caught in the crossfire.
Commuters fearing for their lives have switched to other modes of public transport and have had to adjust to different travelling costs.
“I am undecided about this taxi issue. A part of me supports the decision to suspend services because it might put an end to taxi violence,” said taxi commuter Nikiwe Mahlangu.
“But the suspension has forced me to spend more on my transport budget. Now I am using a bus to travel to work and it costs more than the taxi.
“I have reduced on entertainment [costs] to make sure I have enough money to travel to work.”
Department of Transport and Roads media liaison officer Malitah Madiba said the MEC will make a pronouncement this week on whether Wata and Nanduwe’s suspension will be lifted or extended.
Soweto areas covered by these taxi associations are Zola‚ Jabavu‚ Orlando‚ Dube‚ Mofolo‚ Nancefield and Emndeni.
‘‘ Extending the suspension means more suffering