Taxi drivers in protest march

TAXI drivers are expected to come out in their numbers today to take part in a provincial march against spiralling petrol prices and taxi violence.

The president of Qina Mshayeli/Qina Msebenzi, Clement Doncabe, said drivers were marching because they were tired of their grievances raised with the government falling on deaf ears.

“There are various issues that are hitting the taxi industry hard. The government is just implementing things like the petrol price increase without considering this industry – which transports 70% of the population,” Doncabe said.

He added that the industry bore the brunt of the “frequent” petrol price increases, and passing this on to commuters, by increasing fares, left them in a precarious position.

“That is why we are also expecting them to join our march. We know they feel as strongly about having to pay more in these tough times,” he said.

Doncabe said the protestors’ memorandum also raised concerns about the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act, which provides for a demerit points system to penalise drivers and operators who are habitual offenders.

“They are still discussing it in Parliament, but this government does what it likes so we know it will go through. The point system will hit us hard,” Doncabe said.

“They do not even consider that we are forced to commit traffic transgressions. We are expected to return a certain amount of money every day after filling the taxis with expensive petrol.

“The only way we can do that is to make sure we are fast. Their laws are just not conducive to our operations,” Doncabe said.

Doncabe said protesters would march peacefully, from King Dinuzulu Park down Dr Pixley KaSeme (West) Street to the city hall, where they would hand their memorandum to Premier Willies Mchunu.

“There will be no disruptions to transport in the morning before the march at 9am, after the march is finished we will again return to the ranks to take people home. We are just marching peacefully, because it seems the government won’t listen to us otherwise,” Doncabe said.

Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison spokesperson Mluleki Mntungwa said the department constantly engaged with the industry through formal structures, but the issues protesters were raising had not been brought to its attention.

Regarding a call on the memorandum for the government to do more about taxi violence, Mntungwa said the department and MEC Mxolisi Kaunda had intervened.

“In all areas where there have been challenges emanating from violent conduct in the taxi industry, we have been at the forefront of peacemaking, and will continue to do so.

“There have been volatile areas such as Nongoma, Ladysmith and KwaDukuza, for example, which are now stable through our intervention, working with Santaco (South African National Taxi Council),” he said.

He said permits had been obtained for the march.

Metro police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Parbhoo Sewpersadh warned motorists to keep away from Dr Pixley KaSeme Street as marchers make their way through the CBD. Only one lane will be open, for emergency vehicles.