Santaco slams Mbalula for ‘stick-in-hand’ approach to industry

This comes after confirmation by the Alexandra, Randburg, Midrand, Sandton Taxi Association (Armsta) that a single trip will increase from R11 to R30 on June 15.

Santaco spokesperson Thabisho Molelekwa says they are under no illusion that the increase would hit commuters’ pockets hard.

“We are quite concerned that the minister speaks to us in with a stick in hand. He issued a statement saying the if the matter could not be resolved internally then he may have to report us to the Competition Commission. We believe that is unnecessary.

“We don’t have to educate the minister on the realities that are there, and the gravity to which these have extended, and for the minister to speak to us with a stick in hand is really unfair."

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Molelekwa says the taxi associations are yet to meet to discuss the matter.

“It’s too premature to say anything with certainty hence we have initiated that process of engagement between Santaco Gauteng and the association to establish why and how they arrived at the 172% increase.

“What is important is that in the meeting we are going to have between tomorrow and Wednesday is that we are confident that we will be able to give a clear direction to the rest of the country in terns of the increase should be approached,” Molelekwa adds.

The taxi associations also hope for a meeting with the minister soon.

“We have been engaging with the Department of Transport in the issue of the relief fund,” says Molelekwa.

“The discussions have been progressing quite well, relatively well.”