‘Historic’ agreement between Gauteng govt, taxi industry to end violence
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in Gauteng and the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (NTA) have signed an agreement committing to end taxi violence.
The two organisations have given a mandate to MEC for the Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo to act against taxi associations caught in taxi violence.
The MEC will have the power to dissolve the leadership of associations and their immediate placement under temporary administration until order has been restored.
Mambolo’s spokesperson Theo Nkonki says the agreement is a first of its kind.
“In the agreement the two structures agreed to intensify efforts to build a smart taxi industry that is gun-free, successful, broad-based, and an exemplary business model for black economic empowerment.
“Under the agreement the MEC has been asked to also investigate modern and transparent fare collection systems for implementation by the various taxi associations in a manner that will promote accountability and savings of resources.”
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A commission of inquiry into Gauteng taxi violence was previously established to investigate the root cause of violence among taxi owners and operators and to give recommendations on what action can be taken to curb it.
Last month the commission was granted an extension of six months until August and is set to finalise its report in September.