Tshwane – Gauteng MEC for community safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane on Thursday condemned the violent protest by taxi operators across the province, which was characterised by intimidation and massive freeway blockages.
“I am deeply disappointed in the manner in which Santaco members conducted themselves during protest action this morning. It is a constitutional right for community members to engage in a peaceful protest but violent action and intimidation of non-striking members of communities cannot be condoned,” Nkosi-Malobane said in a statement released by Gauteng Traffic.
“The strike has a negative impact on our economy since Gauteng is the economic hub of our country. In future, we will reconsider granting them permission to engage in protest action. Our law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to ensure that the hooligans who were involved in illegally confiscating truck drivers’ keys are brought to book to face the full might of law.”
The strike impacted service delivery across the province, with most workers being unable to go to their respective areas of work and many learners could not attend schools to write their ongoing examinations.
#TaxiStrike @GP_CommSafety MEC Comrade @NkosiMalobane says she is "disappointed in the actions of SANTACO" pic.twitter.com/8DTu9gMuhP
— Gauteng ANC (@GautengANC) June 15, 2017
The protesters went on a rampage in the early hours of Thursday morning, using their vehicles to block major highways. They also hijacked numerous heavy trucks, using them to block the roads.
The taxi operators were voicing displeasure over what they termed exorbitant monthly payment installments particularly for the Toyota Quantum vehicles.
Olifantsfontein Road, Midrand completely blocked by taxis pic.twitter.com/qjVTLBDFF8
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) June 15, 2017
It emerged on Thursday afternoon that the crippling strike had been called off after an agreement was reached between the taxi association Santaco and the SA Taxi Finance Holdings.