ANC ditches EFF-led Cape Town taxi protest
The ANC in the Western Cape has withdrawn from the Monday march against what the organisers have described as unjust and frivolous taxi impoundments.
The EFF is set to lead the march calling for the release of impounded taxis by the City of Cape Town.
In August, the city impounded dozens of unroadworthy mini-bus vehicles.
This led to an eight-day strike which resulted in the death of at least five people.
Taxi association Santaco confirmed that it will not be taking part in the march.
However, say they can't prevent their members affiliated to the EFF from joining.
In an agreement signed with the City of Cape Town after the August strike, Santaco would be required to give at least 36 hours' notice if they wanted to strike.
ANC Western Cape provincial secretary Neville Delport said the party will no longer take part in the march.
"It was always our position that this was a multi-party march against the unlawful impoundment of taxis. It was never intended to be a shutdown led by one political party.
"The mixed messages emanating as late as this morning in the media have convinced us that it would be unwise to participate.
"We are opposed to any form of shutdown. We support a peaceful resolution of the the issues facing the minibus taxi industry," said Delport.
Delport has urged ANC members not to participate and continue with their normal activities on Monday.
"The ANC will continue to engage the taxi industry, civil society and all spheres of government to find a lasting solution," he added.
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