Mini-bus taxi industry strike

Commuters warned of planned mini-bus taxi industry strike, City and Province implement contingency plans

11 Mar 2011

The City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government of the Western Cape have been informed that the Western Cape branch of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) are embarking on strike action next week, commencing Monday 14 March 2011.

It is anticipated that the strike will result in increased traffic congestion and some commuters may experience delays travelling to and from work. The City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government are appealing to residents to prepare themselves for delays and make alternative transport arrangements where possible.

The City and Provincial Government have met with a range of transport and business stakeholders to manage and alleviate the impact of the strike.

There will also be an increased presence of law enforcement officers at major transport interchanges and on major routes to protect commuters and handle any matters related to the strike. Any incidents such as violence or intimidation as a result of the strike can be reported to the City's Metro Control Centre on 021 596 1999.

Employers are encouraged to allow for flexi-time during this difficult period so that employees can miss the peak period congestion by coming in early and leaving early or coming in late and leaving late.

Further information about public transport options can be obtained from the City's Transport Information Centre, toll-free on 0800 65 64 63.

"During this period, the City has a responsibility to protect the rights of commuters travelling to work and back, to ensure a safe environment and to maintain a functional city economy. We have therefore ensured that all possible contingency plans are in place and arranged for additional enforcement staff to keep our residents safe," said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Major Projects, Councillor Elizabeth Thompson.

SANTACO has based their strike action on demands related to the impounding of taxis, permit and operating licence processing issues, alleged fraud by law enforcement, and the implementation of the MyCiTi/Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system.

The City and Provincial Government have been working ever more closely with the mini-bus taxi industry on all of the issues raised and have sought to assist them wherever possible. This includes the recent establishment of a joint government - industry taxi task team to address the issues which are now being cited as reasons for a strike. The safety of residents, however, remains the primary concern and responsibility and demands that could potentially compromise commuter safety or the law cannot be considered.

In its implementation of the MyCiTi/IRT system, the City has done its utmost to ensure that directly affected mini-bus taxi industry members are involved or compensated where necessary.

SANTACO's call for a moratorium on impoundments is short-sighted and not legally possible. Law enforcement officers impound taxis that are operating illegally, either off-route or without a permit. Impoundments are the primary tool to protect taxi commuters and other road users from the threat of taxi violence over route invasions. Law enforcement must be applied equally and special dispensation cannot be made for those who threaten disruption and violence. As far as allegations of fraud by law enforcement officers are concerned, SANTACO has reported two officers for fraud, both of whom were suspended within hours and are now facing investigations into the allegation.

"This decision to strike is ill-advised and unnecessary. It is not in the interests of the industry, commuters, or the public at large. Many industry leaders in the taxi associations are not coming out in support of it and several have, in confidence, stated their opposition to it and belief that certain executives in SANTACO are manipulating the industry. This group is trying to selfishly extract benefits, at the expense of the many hard-working, honest members of the industry. The stated aims of the strike in no way reflect the realities on the ground. The City and the Province have worked closely and in good faith with the mini-bus taxi industry, through SANTACO, and continue to do so," said the MEC for Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlisle.

Councillor Thompson agreed. "The grounds for this strike are unfair and its timing inappropriate. The City and SANTACO are in the midst of positive discussions and this strike action compromises this process. The actions of this small faction are negatively affecting the entire industry," she said.

MEC Carlisle said he respected the right of the industry to strike, but that any acts of violence or intimidation would not be tolerated. "If we receive evidence of violent outbreaks or members of the industry engaging in violence, we will consider the cancellation of operating licences, as well as applying Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, which allows for the closure of mini-bus taxi ranks and routes by the Provincial MEC," he said.

Media enquiries:
Kylie Hatton
Media Manager: City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 4684
Cell: 082 874 4605

Solly Malatsi
Media Liaison Officer: Ministry of Transport and Public Works
Cell: 083 641 9691

Issued by: Western Cape Transport and Public Works
11 Mar 2011

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Wow thanks guys ... now the streets will be a safer place ... oh no ... I knew it. You will not be happy with the out come so you are going to turn to violence to draw focus to your cause. Well good for you. I pray on the behalf of the innocent for safe passage and the right to be free and productive. For this reason I will not fear for my life, because I know that kindness will bestowed upon your hearts and blood shed will be avoided.

This is ridiculous to say the least. This is strong arm tactics before a municipal election. No case for cause here. Let us not fool our self this is a Democracy controlled not served.

by Petrus Viviers