Vadi lifts taxi route suspension
Gauteng MEC for Road and Transport, Ismail Vadi, has confirmed that he will lift the suspension of the Witwatersrand African Taxi Owners Association's (WATA) operating rights in Soweto.
At the same time, the MEC has decided to extend the suspension notice for rival association, the Nancefield Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE), for a further three months.
This after the association's leadership failed to meet certain conditions set by the department to ensure an end to violence at five taxi ranks and routes in Soweto.
"I intend lifting the extraordinary measures instituted on 13 July that were extended to WATA, which were aimed at normalising public transport services in Soweto.
"However, the shutting down of public transport operations at the five designated taxi ranks and routes will remain in force for NANDUWE members as they have refused to sign an agreement with WATA to operate peacefully," says Vadi.
The affected taxi ranks and routes were shut down by Vadi in mid-July due to on-going violent conflicts between WATA and NANDUWE, leaving thousands of commuters without transport.
Vadi said he has received a signed declaration from the Chairman of WATA, Amon Majozi, which was subsequently confirmed by the association's legal representatives.
Vadi says he remains concerned that NANDUWE has refused to commit to these conditions.
"We hope this does not lead to more violence. We have told NANDUWE that our doors remain open for further discussion. We believe these are reasonable conditions," he says.