Warring taxi associations warned
TRANSPORT MEC Jacob Mamabolo has threatened to close down two taxi associations in Soweto following a fierce battle between the rival pair that saw roads being blocked around the township yesterday.
Chaos reigned in Soweto yesterday as the taxi association battle saw several arterial routes around the township being blocked by disgruntled taxi drivers.
This created a traffic jam in Orlando that stretched for several kilometres with cars struggling to manoeuvre around Khumalo Street.
Some commuters got out of the taxis to cross Klipspruit Valley Road and try to catch taxis in Orlando East.
The Star understands that the blockade was part of a battle between two taxi associations.
Wata (Witwatersrand African Taxi Association) and Nanduwe (Nancefield Dube West Association) have been fighting over the same routes for several years.
In the past, people have been killed because of the ongoing fight for the route.
“Last year, the MEC dissolved the executive committee of both associations following deadly clashes that resulted in the death of at least two people,” said Theo Nkonke, a spokesperson for the Transport MEC.
The North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, has ratified an agreement between Gauteng’s major taxi structures, the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (NTA) and the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco), giving Mamabolo the power to dissolve associations involved in acts of violence.
“Through the agreement the MEC is empowered by law to place associations involved in violence under administration or close them in terms of section 91 of the National Land Transport Act.
“This ensures that no person shall be allowed to undertake passenger road transport services at affected ranks and or identified routes,” said Nkonke.
Angry commuters took videos and photos of the drama while some called their employers to inform them that they would be late for work.
“These people are playing with us, their fights are none of our business,” said a commuter, who asked not to be named.
He said he had been sitting in the traffic for over 30 minutes while waiting for the taxi drivers to remove their cars.
The taxi drivers hurled insults at commuters who were making cellphone videos.
“Stop shooting us, mqundu ka nyoko,” said an angry driver.
National Tax Alliance (NTA) spokesperson Theo Malele appealed to both associations to keep calm and come to an understanding without bloodshed.
“We are pleading with everyone that is involved to lower their tempers and find each other,” said NTA spokesperson Theo Malele.
Metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar could not confirm if the taxi drivers had been arrested for blocking the roads.