Pretoria taxi operators threaten further disruptions

The association’s Stemer Monageng told reporters taxi operators across the country could join the protest.

 

Thousands of commuters were left stranded in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria on Thursday as the taxis were not plying that route.

 

“The problem is that the government doesn’t care about the people using taxis. It only cares for people using buses,” said Monageng.

 

“If one uses a bus, there is a subsidy and there is no subsidy for one using a taxi. People pay R10 when using a bus and R14 when using a taxi.Today our focus is on the release of those vehicles which were impounded.”

 

Monageng said the suspension of taxi services on Thursday would run indefinitely.

 

“We know that the community is not happy about it but we wish they could understand. We are trying to help our commuters to get a subsidy [from government] as well,” he said.

 

“This stay-away might be indefinite. We are hoping they release the cars today. If they don’t release them, taxi operations will be suspended in Gauteng tomorrow. On Monday it will be a national strike and the whole South Africa will be at standstill.”

 

Monageng said the issue regarding Autopax taking over bus routes previously serviced by Putco was no longer a problem after a deal was reached with local authorities.

 

Violence erupted in Mamelodi last week as taxi operators sought to block Autopax buses from operating in the area.

 

Government reacted by implementing the controversial Operation Fiela, which resulted in roadblocks and searches. Numerous minibus taxis were impounded during the operation.

Monageng said government’s action was uncalled for.

“They have brought that Operation Fiela to do what?” he asked.

“We are not fighting anyone. We are demonstrating our grievances peacefully. We did not break any cars.”

 

On Thursday morning, several packed Autopax buses were plying routes in Pretoria escorted by law enforcement officers, including members of the Gauteng police’s flying squad, Gauteng traffic police, and the Tshwane metro police.

 

Hordes of people were milling around at taxi ranks, while some were walking towards nearby train stations.

 

The Mamelodi Amalgamated Taxi Association’s Bonnie Mdjishe said the impounded taxis had valid operating permits.

 

“Somebody is abusing power here,” said Mdjishe.

 

“We need peace in Mamelodi. We are not happy to see our commuters not having transport today. We have told our drivers not to throw any stones. We told drivers that if they are found doing any criminal issues, we will take them to the police stations.”

 

He said they would not prevent drivers from operating.

 

“This is a land of democracy. If some members want to operate (on Thursday) we are not stopping them. As an association, we are trying to make them be part of us.”

 

Mdjishe denied allegations that some taxi drivers were forcefully barred from plying their routes on Thursday.

 

However, the African News Agency witnessed scores of taxi drivers pulling over a taxi driver who was travelling on the Soutpansberg road towards Mamelodi, and manhandling him.

 

The taxi drivers chased after the reporter’s vehicle when they realised they were being photographed.

ANA